January Jobs Report Delayed Amid Partial Government Shutdown

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that the release of the January 2026 jobs report, originally scheduled for February 6, will be postponed due to a partial government shutdown that began on January 31. Emily Liddel, associate commissioner of the BLS, confirmed that the report will be rescheduled once federal funding is restored. This delay affects not only the jobs report but also the December Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, which was set to be released shortly thereafter.

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The shutdown has raised concerns about the current state of the U.S. labor market. Economists had anticipated that the January report would indicate an addition of approximately 80,000 jobs, a slight increase from December's 50,000. However, recent trends show a sluggish job market, with only 28,000 jobs added monthly since March 2025, a stark contrast to the 400,000 jobs created monthly during the post-COVID hiring boom.

Labor Department Delays January Jobs Report Because of Partial Shutdown

The partial shutdown was triggered by a failure in Congress to pass funding legislation, particularly concerning the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This impasse was exacerbated by public outcry following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota, leading to demands for reforms in immigration enforcement practices. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism that the shutdown could be resolved quickly, potentially by February 6, but the situation remains fluid as negotiations continue.

What to know about the partial government shutdown, now in its 3rd dayWhat to know about the partial government shutdownTrump says US lawmakers are close to resolution on government fundingHow the partial gov’t shutdown could scramble air travel, complicate tax returns and threaten winter storm responsesShutdown will delay January jobs report: BLSBLS to delay jobs report due to partial government shutdownUS jobs report delayed again amid government shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson stated, “I’m confident that we’ll do it at least by Tuesday,” referring to the anticipated resolution of the shutdown. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump emphasized the need for bipartisan support to reopen the government, asserting, “The only thing that can slow our Country down is another long and damaging Government Shutdown.”

Trump says US lawmakers are close to resolution on government funding

Critics of the shutdown argue that it disrupts essential economic data collection, which is vital for understanding labor market conditions. Economists have expressed frustration over the repeated interruptions in data releases, particularly following the record 43-day shutdown last fall, which had already delayed numerous economic indicators. The current situation raises concerns about the Federal Reserve's ability to make informed decisions regarding interest rates and economic policy without reliable data.

Jobs report this week will be delayed by government shutdown, Labor Department says

While some reports suggest that the shutdown may be resolved quickly, others indicate that the ongoing disputes over DHS funding could prolong the impasse. The uncertainty surrounding the timeline for reopening the government complicates efforts to predict when the delayed economic reports will be published.

Crucial U.S. jobs report delayed again. What happens next?

As Congress prepares to vote on a funding package, the BLS will remain in a state of suspended operations until funding is restored. The outcome of these negotiations will determine not only the release of the January jobs report but also the broader implications for economic stability and labor market analysis in the coming months.

A government shutdown is delaying the jobs report — again