Government Shutdown Delays Key Employment Report Release

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has postponed the January employment report due to a partial government shutdown. The shutdown began after Congress failed to finalize funding. Critical economic data releases remain at risk, with experts warning of possible data quality issues if the disruption continues.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the highly anticipated employment report for January will not be released as scheduled, due to the federal government's partial shutdown.

Emily Liddel, BLS associate commissioner, confirmed the delay, linking it to the shutdown following Congress's failure to approve a budget deal. Although the U.S. Senate passed a spending package, the House of Representatives' absence impeded progress.

The shutdown also affects the BLS' December Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, expected on Tuesday. Economists express concern over potential data quality issues, exacerbated by existing staffing challenges and a hiring freeze.