More evidence that companies are feeling stronger in recent months: The number of employers making substantial cuts in staff reached a two-and-a-half-year low in December, according to a new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Employers took 1,483 mass layoff actions in December involving 137,992 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the BLS said.
That was the lowest number of layoffs since April 2008.
Each layoff involved at least 50 persons from a single employer.
The industries hit hardest by the December layoffs:
- Food service contractors
- Highway, street, and bridge construction
- School and employee bus transportation
- Temporary help services
- Automobile manufacturing, and
- Hotels and motels (excluding casino hotels).
For a deeper look at the December figures, go here.
