Washington: The US Labor Department announced it will halt its data releases, crucial to economic stakeholders, if the government shuts down in the coming days, CNBC reported on Monday. The department's contingency plan aims to manage an orderly suspension of programs and operations while maintaining limited authorized activities during any lapse.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will cease all operations, and no economic data will be released during the shutdown. This disruption could significantly impact investors who rely on these reports to gauge economic conditions and aid Federal Reserve officials in their October meeting preparations.

The BLS is scheduled to release its monthly nonfarm payrolls data on Friday, amidst a period of notably slowing employment growth. This report is among many that could be delayed. Weekly initial jobless claims, typically released every Thursday, may also be affected.

On October 15, the consumer price index, a vital inflation measure and the last one available before the Federal Reserve's October 28-29 meeting, is slated for release. The department's plan also indicates that active data collection for BLS surveys will stop, potentially postponing additional reports if the shutdown extends beyond initial expectations.

Furthermore, the BLS website will not undergo updates or restoration in case of technical failures during the lapse. The current government funding dispute has led to a standoff in Congress, as funding is set to expire at the end of September. The Republican-controlled House passed a bill to extend funding through November 21, but the Senate rejected both this proposal and a separate Democratic effort.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases approximately 12 economic reports monthly, covering various topics such as wages, import and export pricing, and other consumer and worker-related activities.