October 10, 2025
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BLS recalls staff to release delayed CPI

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is calling furloughed employees back to complete the Consumer Price Index after the shutdown paused work, aiming to publish in time for the Social Security COLA announcement due before Nov. 1. While the CPI likely won’t meet its original Oct. 15 release date, officials say the data should also be available for the Federal Reserve’s next meeting; former BLS commissioner Erica Groshen notes the CPI data were collected before the Oct. 1 shutdown.

Economy Government

📌 Key Facts

  • BLS is recalling staff as needed to finish CPI during the shutdown.
  • CPI was scheduled for Oct. 15 but is now expected later, before the COLA deadline.
  • Law requires SSA to calculate and publish COLA using Q3 CPI before Nov. 1.

📰 Sources (1)

The BLS is prepping a delayed inflation report
Axios by Emily Peck October 10, 2025