John Challenger Increased Quotations

Merger/acquisition activity was the second leading cause of job cuts (in January), behind cost-cutting. It will continue to be among the top job-cut reasons this year as an improving economy and increased competition force industry consolidation.

The only clear picture we have from the job cut numbers this year is that employers appear to be confused about the direction this economy is taking, ... Companies are experiencing increased business, but they are also seeing their costs soar due to higher fuel prices, inflation in supplier prices and a weaker dollar, which makes it more expensive to buy foreign parts.

The good news for displaced workers as well as for the economy is that the jobs that are being affected the most by downsizing are still in demand, ... This is why the unemployment rate has not increased at nearly the same rate as job cuts.

Continued job cutting as a result of a slowing economy and increased outsourcing could prompt a significant decline in job security and a subsequent reduction in consumer spending just as we head into the all-important holiday shopping season,

While voracious consumer spending has helped maintain overall economic strength, companies are still hampered by stiff pricing competition from abroad, ... The inability to raise prices has cut into corporate profits, which, in turn, has most certainly contributed to increased job cutting.