BLS Delays January 2026 Jobs Report Amid Government Shutdown

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced it will not release the January 2026 Employment Situation report as scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026. This postponement is a direct consequence of the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Emily Liddel, associate commissioner of the BLS, confirmed that the report's release will be rescheduled once government funding is restored. The bureau has faced similar disruptions in the past, including delays in its routine releases following a shutdown that extended into early November of the previous year.

"The report's release will be rescheduled once government funding is restored." — Emily Liddel, BLS Associate Commissioner

Broader Impact on Economic Data

Beyond the highly anticipated jobs report, the BLS is also responsible for publishing other crucial economic indicators, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and vital import and export figures. It remains uncertain whether the Commerce Department's reporting schedules will also be affected by the current government impasse. The BLS had also scheduled the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for release on Tuesday.

Market Expectations for Key Indicators

Prior to the delay, markets had anticipated the Employment Situation report to reveal an increase of 55,000 jobs and a steady unemployment rate of 4.4%. This report typically includes the crucial nonfarm payrolls count and the unemployment rate, which is derived from a comprehensive household survey.

Shutdown Details and Resolution Outlook

The government shutdown began on Saturday after Congress failed to reach an agreement on a spending plan by the established deadline. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security, with discussions centered on immigration enforcement, was identified as a primary point of contention in the legislative process. House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed an expectation for the impasse to be resolved by Tuesday.