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Quits, Layoffs, and Labor Supply

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Abstract

We develop a time series of quits and layoffs using the Current Population Survey, and analyze their relationship with labor supply decisions over the business cycle. Our findings challenge the assumption that most labor force exits from employment are voluntary quits. Instead, we show that 40% of these exits are precipitated by layoffs. With this distinction, we find both quits to non-participation and the share of workers exiting after a layoff falls during recessions. A workhorse search model is used to frame how these facts add nuance to our understanding of business cycles. Additional results explore regularities of these patterns in the cross section of workers, in the COVID-19 recovery, and in comparison to the JOLTS series on quits and layoffs.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathrin Ellieroth & Amanda M. Michaud, 2024. "Quits, Layoffs, and Labor Supply," Opportunity and Inclusive Growth Institute Working Papers 094, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedmoi:98594
    DOI: 10.21034/iwp.94
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Labor supply; Quits; Business cycles; Layoffs;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity

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