Average Weekly Hours in Manufacturing measures the average number of hours worked per week by production workers in the manufacturing sector.

Changes in the average weekly hours can reflect employers’ responses to shifts in market conditions.

An increase often indicates higher production demands and economic upturn, while a decrease can point to slowing manufacturing activity and potential economic troubles ahead.

Recession Signal

There is no obvious level in which a recession is signalled.

But, a decrease in manufacturing hours is a sign that producers are cutting back, often due to reduced orders and an anticipated slowdown in economic activity.

This can precede broader employment declines and is a component in assessing the health of the overall economy.

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