Planned Job Cuts Plummet in December

Chicago, IL, Jan. 9, 2014 -- Planned job cuts declined 32% to the lowest level of the year in December, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

The December total of 30,623 was down 6% from the same period of 2012.

"It could be the spirit of the holiday season that is prompting employers to hold off on announcing layoff plans, but it is more likely to be the result of increased confidence heading into each new year," said John A. Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, in a press release.