Planned Job Cuts Rise in January

Chicago, IL, Feb. 2, 2012 -- Planned job cuts rose in January, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Planned cuts in January totaled 53,486, a 28% increase from December and the highest total since the 116,000 cuts announced in September.

Financial firms and retailers announced lay-offs totaling 7,611 and 12,426, respectively.