Announced Job Cuts Flat in October

Chicago, IL, Nov. 3, 2010 -- Downsizing activity remained flat in October, as employers announced job cuts totaling 37,986 during the month, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

That was 2.2% more than the 37,151 planned layoffs in September, according to the firm’s latest job-cuts report.

October marks the sixth month in the last seven in which fewer than 40,000 job cuts were announced.

It was also the tenth consecutive month this year that saw fewer job cuts than the same period a year ago.

Last month’s total was 32% lower than October 2009, when 55,679 job cuts were announced.

Overall, the pace of job cutting is down 62% from a year ago, with employers announcing 449,258 job cuts year to date, compared to 1,192,587 over the same period in 2009.

“Unfortunately, the lack of spending by consumers and businesses is stunting demand for new workers. The modest gains in business activity are currently being met by increasing hours of existing workers,” said CEO John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

“The problem is that consumer spending will not increase until more people have jobs. But businesses won’t begin expanding production or hiring until there is more demand for their products and services. Increased government spending, while economically justified, has become politically unfeasible. So, right now, it is difficult to imagine what exactly will provide the spark for increased hiring and an accelerated recovery. Something has to provide that spark, though, or the economy will be stuck in mud for the foreseeable future,” Challenger said.