Jan

January 15 – 524,000 new jobless claims – Google sheds 100 – Sanyo cuts 1200 – 2000 less at Delta – 750 lose jobs at Autodesk – 2000 gone in TN? – DOW dumps 500 in TX – GE Aviation downs 1000 – Seagate’s total now 3000 – MeadWestvaco dumps 2000 – Roche swallows 780 – Xerox starts it’s job chop

Mike: Good day to all. Today’s big jobs report is the Jobless Claims numbers, which is released at 8:30 Eastern. The expected results are 500,000 new claims with a range of 442,000 to 700,000. The below graph shows jobless claims over the past two years:

Jobless Claims

Mike: Here are today’s job related announcements:

Microsoft and IBM Rumors/News

General Economic News

Municipal News

US and some Canada Layoff News

International News

Hiring News

– Microsoft/Google/IBM News & Rumors –

* Google’s Loss of Innocence: 100 Jobs Cut

The Magical Kingdom of Larry and Sergey has laid off 100 full-time recruiters, a tipster tells us. Inevitable, given the economy. But a crushing blow to Google’s self-image as a kinder-than-thou employer.

via Google’s Loss of Innocence: 100 Jobs Cut.

* Google has announced 100 layoffs and range of engineering office closures across three countries.

The 100 positions to be cut come from recruiting, and are on top of a confirmation from Google that “almost all contracts with external contractors and vendors providing recruiting services” have been cut. The layoffs are the first confirmed by Google for Google employees, after rumors of up to 10,000 contractors had been cut (others suggest the number is 4,500).

via Google Cuts 100 Jobs, Closing Engineering Offices.

* It appears that the bad economic times are catching up with Google, as the search giant has announced that it will shut down – or at least stop supporting – various of its more unpopular web based services in an effort to streamline its operations in a recessionary economy. Included among the affected services are: Google Notebooks, Google Catalogs, Dodgeball, Google Video, Google Mashup Editor and Jaiku.

via Google kills off unpopular services, announces layoffs – TechSpot News.

* For weeks now, rumors have been circulating the Internet that Microsoft would be laying off employees on Jan. 15, tomorrow. As we approach the date, talk is intensifying.

WSJ: Microsoft Corp. is seriously exploring significant work force reductions that could be announced as early as next week, in a sign that the weak economy is prompting tough decisions even at one of the steadiest ships in the technology industry.

via Microsoft Layoffs Coming Tomorrow? (MSFT).

* SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Microsoft Corp. is considering cutting a significant number of jobs as early as next week, according to a media report late Wednesday. The online edition of The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, reported that plans for the job cuts are still in flux and the company may yet find other ways to cut costs.

via Microsoft considering job cuts: WSJ – MarketWatch .

* Things must be really bad out there. Even one of the world’s richest men is cutting back. We’re hearing that Vulcan — the private investment firm of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen — is planning layoffs as soon as tomorrow.

“The atmosphere is very nervous, a lot of gallows humor,” said one employee who fears that his job may be lost. The employee, who asked that his name not be used, said he was told by a manager to expect job cuts tomorrow. Vulcan spokesman David Postman declined to comment on the specifics of that rumor.

via Paul Allen’s Vulcan readying for layoffs, staffer says he’s nervous – TechFlash: Seattle’s Technology News Source.

* Local analyst sees job cuts of 6 to 8 percent at Microsoft, lowers earnings estimate

Posted by Benjamin J. Romano

With Microsoft’s fiscal second-quarter earnings a week away, analysts are chiming in with their expectations. In a report to investors this morning, Sid Parakh of McAdams Wright Ragen writes: “[C]hecks indicate that Microsoft is likely to reduce headcount in the near-term to the tune of 6,000 – 8,000 employees, or 6% – 8% of its ~95,000 employee workforce. Underperforming employees are the most likely targets in the expected reorganization.”

via Microsoft Pri0 | Local analyst sees job cuts of 6 to 8 percent at Microsoft, lowers earnings estimate | Seattle Times Newspaper Blog.

– General Economic News –

Mike: Another large number of new jobless claims that was unexpected. The increase shouldn”t be unexpected considering the ever increasing job loss announcements:

* WASHINGTON (AP) — New claims for jobless benefits increased more than expected last week, reflecting continued weakness in the labor market in the new year.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that first-time requests for unemployment insurance jumped to a seasonally adjusted 524,000 in the week ending Jan. 10, from an upwardly revised figure of 470,000 the previous week. Analysts had expected 500,000 new claims.

via New jobless claims increase more than expected – Yahoo! Finance.

Mike: Other economic reports due today are:

Producer Price Index The December estimate is -2.0% for December. The Producer Price Index (PPI) is a measure of the average price level for a fixed basket of capital and consumer goods received by producers.

Empire State Mfg Survey The forecast for January is -25. The New York Fed conducts this monthly survey of manufacturers in New York State. Participants from across the state represent a variety of industries. On the first of each month, the same pool of roughly 175 manufacturing executives (usually the CEO or the president) is sent a questionnaire to report the change in an assortment of indicators from the previous month. Respondents also give their views about the likely direction of these same indicators six months ahead.

Data Source: Haver Analytics

Mike: Some minor improvement in the manufacturing index, but still contracting:

* Jan. 15 (Bloomberg) — Manufacturing in New York contracted for a ninth straight month in January and a gauge of expectations for six months from now was negative for the first time on record.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s general economic index rose to minus 22.2 from a revised minus 27.9 in December that was lower than previously reported, the bank said today. Readings below zero for the Empire State index signal manufacturing activity is shrinking.

via Bloomberg.com: Worldwide.

* More than 2.3 million American homeowners faced foreclosure proceedings last year, an 81 percent increase from 2007, with the worst yet to come as consumers grapple with layoffs, shrinking investment portfolios and falling home prices.

via ABC News: US Foreclosure Filings up 81 Percent in 2008.

Adams - Jan 14

Foreclosures Increase 81% in 2008

– Municipal News –

* The Leoni Township Board continued its efforts to eliminate a nearly $800,000 projected budget shortfall Tuesday by approving three layoffs in its Department of Public Safety.

via Leoni Township public safety director resigns; three officers laid off – Jackson News – The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com

* NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Tennessee Board of Regents voted unanimously Wednesday to allow Chancellor Charles W. Manning to authorize system presidents to order layoffs, pay cuts and work time reductions.

via WAAYTV.com – Huntsville, Alabama – News Weather, Sports | Regents authorize layoffs, pay cuts.

* Gov. Phil Bredesen said over 2,000 state employees face layoffs because of the state’s budget crisis.

Bredesen told The Tennessean on Wednesday that his departments have submitted budget cut proposals that would trim the state’s payroll by over two thousand employees, although he did not give a specific number.

via Bredesen: over 2,000 state workers may be laid off | www.tennessean.com | The Tennessean.

* KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee predicts a $66 million cut in state appropriations could force the elimination of 700 jobs even with a tuition increase next year.

via UT predicts 700 lost jobs to deal with budget cuts | www.tennessean.com | The Tennessean.

* The slow drip of city layoffs announced by Mayor Eddie A. Perez three months ago continues, with five more employees losing their jobs to a slumping economy and a tightening city budget.

via Hartford Lays Off Five More Workers — Courant.com.

* LEESBURG — Two more city employees have been laid off, victims of a slumping building market, officials said Wednesday.

via Daily Commercial.

* First Selectman Peter Tesei will seek to cut as many as 70 jobs from the town’s non-school work force of 1,020 employees — some through layoffs and others by attrition — to make up for declining revenues.

via Tesei seeks cuts in town work force – Greenwich Time.

* SAGINAW, Mich. – Saginaw Board of Education members have approved laying off more than 100 district employees.

via Saginaw School District to lay off 118 workers — chicagotribune.com.

* Macomb County commissioners reversed the layoffs of 10 employees this morning after labor negotiations took a positive turn in yet another twist in the ongoing budget crisis.

via Macomb County board reverses 10 layoffs | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press.

* SEATTLE (Map, News) – The Seattle School Board has been told that in addition to closing schools it will have to lay off staff to help balance the budget.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer says the board was told Wednesday about plans to cut 123 positions, including teachers, library assistants and custodians.

via Seattle schools plan to cut 123 jobs – Examiner.com.

* Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., capping weeks of sometimes dire economic warnings, today introduced a $675 million budget that calls for the elimination of 219 positions, including 68 layoffs, in a belt-tightening that will reach into nearly every corner of county government.

via Essex officials plan to cut 219 jobs from county government – Breaking News From New Jersey – NJ.com .

– US and some Canada News –

* Dow Chemical Co. will cut about 500 full-time jobs at its Texas Operations facility in Freeport as part of an effort announced last month to control costs amid the economic recession.

via Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Texas/Southwest.

* Seagate, a leading hard-drive maker, will conduct a far more drastic round of layoffs than the company had indicated earlier this week.

Close to 3,000 people, or 6 percent of Seagate’s global work force, will lose their jobs in the next couple of months, the company said Wednesday in a regulatory filing. On Monday, Seagate revealed plans to lay off about 10 percent of its United States work force, or close to 800 people. It has now expanded those plans to include the broader layoffs, which affect its workers across the globe.

via Seagate Layoffs Grow From 800 to 3,000 – Bits Blog – NYTimes.com.

* Semiconductor maker Standard Microsystems Corp (SMSC.O: Quote, Profile, Research) said it would cut 5 percent to 10 percent jobs worldwide to reduce costs as it faces weak customer demand.

via UPDATE 1-Standard Microsystems to cut jobs | Reuters .

* General Electric Co., the world’s biggest jet-engine maker, plans to eliminate more than 1,000 salaried jobs at its GE Aviation division as orders slow and it integrates the acquisition of Smiths Group PLC’s aerospace unit.

via GE Aviation to cut 1,000 jobs.

* Although Paragould Teleflora human resource manager Hal Wyatt had no comment, the Daily Press learned Tuesday morning that some employees were terminated.

In a statement released from Teleflora president Shawn Weidmann in Los Angeles, said, “Teleflora reduced a select number of positions across all business units to align costs with current and long term business priorities.

via Paragould Daily Press: Serving Greene County, Arkansas > Local News.

* The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has laid off five employees, or about 8 percent of its staff, and eliminated several positions to save $500,000 and help balance its budget.

via Baltimore Symphony Orchestra cuts jobs to sidestep deficit – Baltimore Business Journal: .

* Superior Industries International Inc., one of the San Fernando Valley’s biggest employers, said Tuesday it will close its Van Nuys wheel factory and lay off 290 workers in response to the downturn in the auto industry.

The Woodley Avenue plant, where Superior started its business more than 30 years ago, will stop manufacturing aluminum-cast wheels in late June and will complete the layoffs by September, said Erica Turner, the company’s chief financial officer.

via Superior Industries to close Van Nuys wheel factory – ContraCostaTimes.com.

* The Altec Carlisle plant on Sinclair Boulevard is closing its doors for good and putting 46 employees out of work.

The company notified the city’s economic development department Tuesday that the closing is the result of a decision by head office to close its Brantford plant and consolidate operations in the U. S., where it has closed another plant.

via City plant closing, 46 jobs lost – Brantford Expositor – Ontario, CA .

* KINSTON, N.C. — Two industrial plants in eastern North Carolina have announced a closing and a layoff because of the slumping economy.

The Kinston Free Press reported Wednesday that Gilbarco Veeder-Root will close its facility and that the Electrolux plant will temporarily lay off 100 employees.

via Gilbarco closes Kinston site, Electrolux cuts jobs :: WRAL.com.

* A North Bergen book manufacturer in business for more than 30 years will close its doors in March and 72 people will lose their jobs, a company official said.

via N. Bergen book plant will be closing in March – NJ.com.

* National Hirschfeld, one of the largest commercial printers in the region, said Tuesday that it will close its printing plant and lay off its 250 workers by the end of the month.

The century-old company let go most of its workers Tuesday but kept a few to finish jobs in progress.

via Denver’s 102-year-old Hirschfeld to stop its presses – The Denver Post.

* MARTINSBURG – This week, 35 employees at the Quad/Graphics plant in Martinsburg will be notified that they no longer have a job.

The company will eliminate both production and administrative positions as a way to keep the company going during the downturn in the economy, according to a company representative.

via Printing firm plans 35 layoffs – News, sports, jobs, community information for Martinsburg – Journal News.

* NORTH ADAMS — Citing poor holiday card sales, Crane & Co. announced on Tuesday that it has eliminated 22 jobs at a North Adams facility.

The 22 employees have been laid off from Crane’s personalized design services facility on Curran Highway. They will be able to apply for other jobs within the company during a 12-week period in which Crane will maintain their benefits, including health insurance, the firm said.

via Crane lays off 22 from card facility – Berkshire Eagle Online.

* Port Townsend Paper Corp. temporarily laid off 28 hourly employees effective Monday morning, Jan. 12, according to a union official.

Company management declined to comment on the action, due to a new policy of making no public announcements. But Jim Little, president of U.S. Steelworkers Local 175, verified that four people are laid off for one week and 24 for two weeks.

via Mill lays off 28 in temporary curtailment.

* OOLTEWAH, TN (BRAIN)—American Bicycle Group has laid off 25 percent of its Tennessee manufacturing workforce along with vice president of sales Steve Boyd.

Other employees were let go as well including independent sales reps. The company employs roughly 100 people.

via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.

* Aberdeen’s Hub City Inc. is laying off 49 workers, a company official told the American News on Wednesday.

“The reason is simply we’ve been negatively impacted by the economy,” said Jim Campbell, vice president and general manager.

via AberdeenNews.com.

* American Express Publishing, which publishes titles such as Food & Wine and Travel & Leisure, laid off another 33 people today as part of a drive by its parent company, American Express Co., to cut its head count 10%, a company spokeswoman confirmed.

via American Express Publishing Lays Off 33 – Advertising Age – MediaWorks.

* Iron City Brewing said today it will temporarily move production of Iron City and IC Light cans outside Pittsburgh while it fixes its balky canning line, resulting in the layoff of 25 percent or more of its work force.

via Iron City Brewing to move production, lay off staff.

* FreightCar America Inc. filed notice with the state that it is laying off 120 workers from its facility in Roanoke.

via FreightCar America lays off 120 in Roanoke | WSLS 10.

* Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. announced Tuesday it will lay off assembly workers at its Atkins facility in response to lower over-the-road trailer sales. Human Resources Manager Bill Weaver said Wednesday the furlough of “about 90” would take effect at the end of this week.

via Utility Trailer to lay off about 90 from Atkins plant – SWVAToday.com.

* Mid South Lumber of Meridian will soon shut down indefinitely. The president of the company, Russ York, said it’s unclear how long the temporary shutdown will last.

What is certain is that about 100 employees are losing their jobs.

via Mid South Lumber to Close Indefinitely .

* RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — Engine part maker Mahle Inc. said it will lay off between 30 and 35 workers at its plant in Russellville.

The company said Tuesday that the layoff will be effective Jan. 26, and will leave the plant with about 210 workers. The factory produces camshafts for heavy-duty diesel engines.

via Russellville Plant Lays Off About 30 Workers – Local News Story – KHBS NW Arkansas.

* TORONTO — Novadaq Technologies Inc. (TSX:NDQ) said Wednesday it will lay off 25 employees, or approximately 30 per cent of its workforce, to reduce annual operating expenses by $1.8 million.

via The Canadian Press: Novadaq Technologies to lay off 25 employees, or about 30 per cent of its workforce.

* UST Inc., the smokeless tobacco products maker that Altria Group Inc. bought last week, announced the first 34 layoffs stemming from the total shutdown of its Stamford headquarters by year’s end.

via UST announces first layoffs – Greenwich Time.

* REXBURG – ARTCO in Rexburg announced Wednesday 45 employees will be laid off, according to a news release. The workforce reduction will become effective Friday, Jan. 16.

via LocalNews8.com Idaho Falls, Pocatello – Weather, News, Sports – Rexburg Company Cuts 45 Jobs.

* As it prepared to open its first show of 2009 Wednesday night, the Cleveland Play House announced it has laid off five senior staff members in an effort to reduce costs and maintain high-quality productions and arts-education programs.

via Cleveland Play House lays off 5 senior staffers – Cleveland Playhouse Square & Ohio Community Theater Reviews | On Stage – cleveland.com.

* VICKSBURG, Miss. — The closing of Simpson Dura-Vent’s plant in Warren County will be completed by the end of March, sooner than the original timetable announced a year ago by the company.

About 103 production employees worked their last day Dec. 31.

via Plant closing in March – Regional Wire – SunHerald.com.

* Everyone knows that many media organizations are struggling, and now the latest evidence comes from PlanetOut, where as many as a third of the staff was laid off this week.

The first word of the reductions at the popular lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender news and entertainment network came Monday via the prolific The Media is Dying Twitter feed, which aggregates reports of layoffs and staff moves across the media industry.

via Sources: Heavy layoffs at PlanetOut | Digital Media – CNET News.

* Grey Bruce Health Services plans to layoff 20 staff as part of a plan to balance the budget.

The 20 staff are from various departments in the hospital — from nurses to clerical staff.

via Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation.

* WILKES-BARRE – Holding out as long as it could, Wyoming Valley Health Care System Wednesday announced a limited number of layoffs and curtailed internal construction projects until the economy improves.

The health care system, which operates Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, cut seven management and eight-non-management positions.

via WVHCS makes layoffs, curbs internal building | Wilkes-Barre News | The Times Leader .

* Earlier this week, KEIPER announced it will let 49 employees go, citing the U.S. automotive industry’s biggest reduction in more than a quarter century.

As an automotive supplier, KEIPER has been directly impacted by this unfortunate situation, according to a statement issued by the company. The Eldon plant mostly makes seat parts for the industry.

via More industrial layoffs announced: KEIPER cuts three shifts to one in Eldon – Camdenton, MO – Lake Sun Leader.

* In December, Delta, which has about 75,000 staff worldwide, said it would offer employees severance packages, but it didn’t say how many jobs it aimed to cut.

“We are expecting a number of around 2,000 because the capacity reduction is going to be around 6 to 8 percent,” Delta CEO Richard Anderson told reporters on the sidelines of a media briefing in Tokyo.

via Delta Eyes 2,000 Job Cuts Via Early Retirement – Business News: The Post Chronicle.

* COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department has laid off 17 workers and ordered other employees to take three days off without pay because of budget cuts.

via SC parks, tourism agency lays off 17 workers – State & Regional – Wire – The State.

* Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare plans to eliminate additional jobs in the coming weeks as the sagging economy continues to take its toll on health care.

The health care system, which employs about 12,000 people, has cut about 150 jobs in southeastern Wisconsin. It also has not filled about 100 jobs.

via Wheaton Franciscan plans additional job cuts – JSOnline.

* Acme Markets will close three Philadelphia-area stores, a spokeswoman said.

Stores in Ambler, West Chester and Collegeville, Pa., are slated for closure within two months. A fourth store, in Newton, Sussex County, N.J., will also close.

The company said employees would have the option to move to other stores. It did not say how many employees were affected.

via Acme closing three Phila.-area supermarkets – Philadelphia Business Journal: .

* New Albany plastics manufacturer Beach Mold and Tool Inc. has laid off 193 workers in response to a decline in demand.

The company, located at 999 Progress Blvd., said in a filing with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development that it began laying off people on Sept. 16 and continued laying off workers through Jan. 9.

via Beach Mold and Tool lays off 193 – Business First of Louisville: .

* The slumping housing market is taking its toll on the country’s second-largest lumber producer.

Sierra Pacific Industries eliminated the third shift at its Anderson sawmill this week, a move that means the loss of 24 jobs, company spokesman Mark Pawlicki said.

via Sierra Pacific cutbacks mean 24 workers laid off : News : Redding Record Searchlight.

* Athletic shoe and apparel maker Reebok has eliminated approximately 310 jobs, including 65 in Indianapolis, as it restructures to deal with the global economic slump.

via Reebok layoffs include 65 in Indy | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star .

* CANTON, Mass. – Athletic shoe and apparel maker Reebok has eliminated approximately 310 jobs as it restructures to deal with the global economic slump.

Reebok International President Ulrich Becker said on Tuesday that the move was designed to help the company bring its cost structure in line with its 2009 targets.

via Reebok laying off more than 300 workers — chicagotribune.com.

* As part of its restructuring plan, Autodesk plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 750 employees, representing approximately 10 percent of the company’s global workforce. The company also plans to consolidate certain facilities.

via RTTNews – Latest Earnings,Upcoming Earnings, Pos Pre Announcements, Pos Pre Announcements , Positive Surprises, Negative Surprises, Hot Stocks, Stock Split Calendar, Stock Buybacks, Dividends, Negative, Positive PreAnnouncements,Surprises …. .

* MeadWestvaco Corp. said Thursday it would slash about 2,000 jobs, or 10% of its global workforce by year end as it addresses “current economic challenges.” The Richmond, Va., paper and packaging company said the cuts would result in pre-tax savings of about $125 million in 2009. By mid-2010, the company said job reductions and other related cost-cutting actions will result in annual pre-tax savings of $250 million to $300 million. MeadWestvaco said about 800 workers would be dismissed before the end of the first quarter.

via MeadWestvaco to cut 10% of its global workforce – MarketWatch .

* Minnetonka-based Opus Corp., a national real estate developer with a big operation in Minnesota, is eliminating about 200 positions nationwide due to the economic slow down.

via Developer Opus Corp. to cut 200 jobs – Triangle Business Journal: .

* Banner Health on Wednesday said that it will lay off 334 employees in Arizona as it seeks to navigate the tough economy, another sign that the recession is spilling over to health care.

The layoffs represents slightly less than 1 percent of Banner’s overall workforce of about 35,000, and the job cuts are a combination of management, administrative and clinical staff.

via Banner Health to cut jobs, costs.

* Faced with falling classified and advertising revenues, the Rutland Herald, Barre-Montpelier Times Argus and the New England Business Journals announced Wednesday the publications laid off 14 employees throughout the family-owned communications company.

via Times Argus, Herald lay off 14 employees: Rutland Herald Online.

* Thunder Bay, ON — The news from AbitibiBowater is not good. The company is idling its newsprint and kraft mill in the city, for several weeks. The reasons stated are a lack of demand for the products and expensive electricity costs.

There are an expected 700 layoffs which will happen in the newsprint operation from February 1 until February 25th. The kraft paper operation will shutdown from February 5 through to the 25th.

via NetNewsledger.com – Layoffs Planned at AbitibiBowater.

* Marshall & Ilsley Corp., suffering continued losses from the recession and bad real estate loans, said it will eliminate 830 jobs, or 8 percent of its work force.

via M&I posts $400M loss, will cut 830 jobs – The Business Journal of Milwaukee: .

* NEW YORK, Jan 15 (Reuters) – Aladdin Capital Holdings’ chief investment officer said on Thursday he has cut 15 jobs in the company’s structured bond business as it shifts focus to investment opportunities in corporate bonds and the loan market

via Aladdin Capital cuts 15 jobs, shifts to corp bonds | Markets | Bonds News | Reuters .

* U.S. toy company RC2 Corp (RCRC.O) slashed its fourth-quarter earnings outlook as preliminary quarterly sales trailed market estimates, and said it cut about 15 percent of its full-time white collar workforce, sending its shares down as much as 11 percent.

via UPDATE 1-RC2 slashes Q4 profit outlook; cuts jobs | Markets | Markets News | Reuters .

* Foley Hoag has cut about 6 percent of its workforce in response to the slumping economy, the law firm confirmed on Thursday.

The layoffs equates to about 32 people, and includes both associates and staff. Foley Hoag has about 227 lawyers in Boston.

via Foley Hoag announces layoffs – Boston Business Journal: .

* PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A Tigard-based charity that sends doctors and medical supplies to areas throughout the world has laid off nine people.

Medical Teams International spokeswoman Marlene Minor says the nine people, which represent 10 percent of the organization’s staff, were part of a small administrative core.

via Oregon nonprofit announces layoffs – NewsFlash – OregonLive.com.

* Roche CFO Erich Hunziker hinted at job cuts two days ago; now he’s putting a number to at least part of the layoff plan. The Swiss drugmaker plans to axe 780 positions from its production workforce over the next two to three years, Hunziker told investors today. The workforce cuts are in addition to a restructuring program that’s already set to reduce employment at Roche manufacturing facilities by 1,152.

via Roche adds 780 to planned layoffs – FiercePharma.

* Just two days after installing a new plant manager at its Benson facility, Polymer Group Inc. sent 31 area residents home without jobs Wednesday morning.

The changes are part of a larger corporate response to declining sales in the industrial sector, said Cliff Bridges, marketing and human resources communication director for PGI.

via PGI Cuts Workforce To Cope With Sales Slowdown.

* LIMA – The owner of Lucas Ford says his Greeley Chapel Road dealership remains open for business despite recent layoffs.

In an e-mail to The Lima News this morning, Lucas Ford owner Sean Gouhin said the dealership has laid off staff and hired a management company but is still in business.

via Lucas Ford owner: Dealership remains open despite layoffs | ford, lucas, business – Local News – LimaOhio.com.

* A Williston drilling company official says falling oil prices have led to about 150 layoffs so far and more are likely.

Scott Reid is the district manager for Nabors Drilling USA. He says the company has 27 oil rigs running but nine are down.

via KFYR-TV North Dakota’s NBC News Leader.

* Gerdau Macsteel, a hot-rolled special bar quality producer with steelmaking facilities in Jackson and Monroe, Mich., and Fort Smith, Ark., will implement temporary layoffs at the Monroe plant, effective Jan. 18, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The move will impact 46 employees, he added.

via (AMM) Gerdau Macsteel slates 2d wave of layoffs; 46 jobs hit – Metal Bulletin .

* AAA will announce layoffs of 200 employees today in a six-state region that includes Michigan, primarily because more members are conducting their business through the Internet and avoiding the trip into branch offices, said an AAA Michigan official.

via AAA Michigan says it will lay off 146 workers – Detroit Business News and Information – Crain’s Detroit Business .

* MERIDIAN, Miss. — Mid South Lumber, of Meridian, will shut down indefinitely, leaving 100 workers without jobs.

via Meridian Sawmill Closes, Putting 100 Out Of Work – Jackson News Story – WAPT Jackson.

* CRESCO (AP) — Featherlite Trailers has laid off workers from its plant in Cresco.

Company spokesman John Hall declined to say how many workers were let go but the town’s mayor, Rhonda Hughes, says about 200 workers lost their job.

via WCFcourier.com – Waterloo and Cedar Falls Iowa News Homepage | News » Breaking News.

* Upwards of 40 workers could be laid off as one of the two paper machines at the NewPage mill in Point Tupper shuts down for a week, a union official says. Ronnie Beaton, president of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Local 972, said that word came from a meeting between the union and NewPage Port Hawkesbury management Tuesday (Jan. 23) morning. A more precise number of those who will be laid off during the shutdown won’t be known until later in the week, however.

via Farm Focus: Forestry | Point Tupper mill shutdown could bring 40+ layoffs .

* Emeryville, CA-based BioNovo said today that, like so many other biotech companies, it will cut costs and staff “given current market conditions and the status of the financial markets.” The company, which markets women’s health and cancer therapies, is cutting about 15 percent of its staff. BioNovo will freeze the salaries of remaining employees and recommend to the Board of Directors that execs not receive their management bonuses for 2008. In addition, the company will halt work on preclinical drug candidates so it can focus on drugs in the clinic, search for partnerships or investors as sources of capital.

via BioNovo cuts staff, exec bonuses – FierceBiotech.

* DENTON — Peterbilt Motor Co. — Denton’s largest private-sector employer — announced it will lay off a small percentage of its 2,000-employee workforce effective Jan. 26.

via Layoffs at Denton truck builder | WFAA.com | Local News: TV .

* Texas Youth Commission officials this afternoon announced plans to fire 100 employees and eliminate 330 vacant jobs as part of a cost-cutting move, just a day after a legislative committee voted to merge the scandal-plagued agency out of existence.

via TYC cuts 430 jobs | Postcards.

* Technology vendor CDW Corp. has laid off workers for the first time in the company’s history, letting go of about 190 employees at its Vernon Hills offices.

CDW spokesman Clark Walter said Thursday the 190 workers, who were spread across the company’s operations, account for just under 3 percent of CDW’s nearly 7,000 employees. CDW, based in Vernon Hills, has offices in other U.S. cities.

via CDW to cut 190 in company’s first layoffs — chicagotribune.com.

* Domain Name Wire has confirmed that Los Angeles-based domain juggernaut Oversee.net is laying off employees today. From what we’ve been told it’s in the DomainSponsor division, but the layoffs may be more widespread. We are waiting on comment from the company regarding the number of effected employees. The layoffs come just two weeks before the company’s DOMAINfest conference in Los Angeles.

via Domain Name Wire » News » DomainSponsor Lays Off Staff – The Domain Industry’s News Source.

* MILWAUKEE (AP) — Even the brewing industry is starting to go flat in the worldwide economic slump.

SABMiller PLC, the London-based brewer of Grolsch, Miller Genuine Draft and Peroni Nastro Azzurro lagers, said on Thursday its beer shipments fell unexpectedly in the third quarter as consumers pulled back on their demand.

Carlsberg A/S, the Copenhagen-based maker of Carslberg beer, said it was cutting 274 jobs to save on costs due to a future “where we face more uncertainties and risks,” the company said in a statement.

via The Associated Press: Beer sales falling with economy.

* Pharr Yarns in McAdenville has laid off about 25 full-time employees because of softening demand for spun carpet yarn, a company official said

via Pharr Yarns lays off 25 full-time employees | CharlotteObserver.com.

* Hybrid electric and electric powertrains maker Azure Dynamics Corp (AZD.TO) said it would reduce its workforce by about 25 percent as part of a cost-reduction plan.

via UPDATE 1-Azure Dynamics to reduce workforce by about 25 pct | Industries | Consumer Goods & Retail | Reuters .

* XOMA Ltd. (Nasdaq:XOMA) announced that it will reduce its workforce by approximately 42 percent or 144 employees, a majority of which are in manufacturing.

via XOMA XOMA Announces Workforce Reduction.

* Military contractor BAE Systems said Wednesday it is laying off 114 employees and closing its Grainger County plant because the Department of Defense has postponed awarding a contract on armored vests.

via BAESF BAE Systems temporarily closes Grainger County, Tenn., plant.

* BARNWELL, SC — Darlene Creech says she”ll never forget when she heard the news that her job of 15 years would soon be gone.

“I went deaf. I couldn’t. I lost it and it still hurts because I was saying, ‘Lord, what am I going to do,'” said Darlene Creech.

After 16 years in business, the Barnwell Hanesbrand plant is closing its doors, shipping it’s work to El Salvador and leaving more than 300 people without a job come April.

via Barnwell plant closing; more than 300 out of a job .

* BELTON – The national recession hit closer to home this week.

Michigan chair manufacturing company izzydesign will close its Belton plant this year, company spokeswoman Clare Wade said on Wednesday. About 90 jobs, in both manufacturing and customer service, will be affected.

via TDTNews.com – Temple Daily Telegram.

* LaGrange County has taken another economic hit, as Sun Valley Inc. announced it was closing its doors, the News-Sun in Kendallville reported today.

Sun Valley, a recreational-vehicle manufacturing plant, was one of the newer plants in the county. The business opened in late 2005 and at its peak employed about 100. It currently has about 20 employees at the Howe plant, with nearly half of them residents of LaGrange County and half of Michigan.

via Sun Valley will close plant.

* (Rochester, N.Y.) — According to a Xerox spokesperson, 275 Rochester-area employees will be laid off over the next month.

Currently there are 7,320 local Xerox employees in the Monroe County area, so the number accounts for just under 3 percent of the county’s workforce.

via 275 Local Xerox Employees to be Cut – 13WHAM.com .

* Layoffs that Xerox Corp. announced last fall took effect Thursday at the company’s Wilsonville plant.

via Xerox lays off 50 – Portland Business Journal: .

* SEATTLE — A Vulcan Inc. spokesman says the Seattle company owned by billionaire Paul Allen plans to lay off 50 workers.

via Vulcan Inc. to lay off 50 employees.

* Heidrick & Struggles International Inc., the Chicago executive search and consulting concern, said late Thursday that its first-quarter results will be marred by a $20 million charge to cover costs of a new restructuring initiative.

The company, which has seen demand for its services weaken as the economy erodes around the globe, said the restructuring calls for reducing its worldwide workforce by 12 percent — but didn’t specify how many jobs it plans to eliminate. At year-end 2007, the company said in a previous regulatory filing, Heidrick had 1,647 employees.

via Heidrick & Struggles to shed 12% of workforce in restructuring — chicagotribune.com.

* About 325 people – nearly half the workforce – were laid off by Hatteras Yachts in New Bern on Wednesday.

It’s the most recent in string of cuts Hatteras has made in the last couple of years, forced by what the company’s chairman is calling one of the boating industry’s most difficult times ever.

via Hatteras Yachts Lays Off Nearly Half Its Workforce | WNCT.

* NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Saks Inc. (SKS) will cut about 1,100 jobs as part of a sweeping cost-cutting program after the high-end retailer’s efforts to attract customers through deep discounts during the holiday season failed to drum up much business.

via Saks Plans Major Cuts On Heels Of Plunge In Christmas Sales.

* Electronics manufacturer TTM Technologies Inc (TTMI.O) said it would cut about 14 percent of its total workforce and shut its Redmond, Washington facility due to weak demand for commercial printed circuit boards.

The company said it will transfer the production of printed circuit boards from its Redmond facility, which employs 374 full-time and 55 temporary employees, to other company sites in California, Connecticut, Utah and Wisconsin.

It also plans to cut about 140 jobs at its other plants.

via UPDATE 1-TTM Technologies to cut 14 pct jobs | Industries | Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Reuters .

* Jan. 15 (Bloomberg) — PolyOne Corp., the maker of Geon vinyl compounds, plans to cut 370 jobs, close a factory and reduce production globally because of weak sales to auto and housing markets.

via Bloomberg.com: Canada.

* ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. — An Adams County cabinet plant will close in March 2009, MasterBrand Cabinets Inc. announced Thursday.

The plant employs about 415 workers.

via Adams County Cabinet Plant Closing – Money News Story – WGAL The Susquehanna Valley.

– International News –

* International mobile provider Digicel, is preparing to cut up to 450 jobs in the Caribbean, as it offers a voluntary separation programme to employees.

via Dominica News – Breaking news and daily local news.

* The Finnish firm said it would cut around 5,000 jobs globally out of 21,000 in total, aiming for annual savings of between 80-100 million euros ($105-131 million). Elcoteq said savings would be seen from the second quarter onwards and significantly improve full-year profitability.

via UPDATE 1-Elcoteq to cut 5,000 jobs, shares soar | Industries | Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Reuters .

* TOKYO – Japan’s Sanyo Electric Co Ltd, set to be acquired by Panasonic Corp, cut its annual net profit outlook as losses climb in its chip business, and it said it would eliminate 1,200 jobs.

Sanyo, the world’s top producer of rechargeable batteries, said on Thursday that declining sales, a soaring yen and restructuring and impairment costs in its chip operations will cancel out profits.

via Business Spectator – Sanyo cuts net profit outlook to zero as chips bite.

* (TOULOUSE, France) Airbus expects orders to dip below deliveries in 2009 for the first time in six years as airlines curb spending amid the economic crisis, the planemaker’s head said Thursday.

via Airbus sees 2009 orders dipping below deliveries | Newsweek Business | Newsweek.com.

* Jan. 15 (Bloomberg) — Telstra Corp. is considering plans to cut thousands of extra jobs as the economy slows, the Australian Financial Review said, citing sources within the company it didn’t identify.

via Bloomberg.com: Australia & New Zealand.

* Troubled music retailer Zavvi is to close a further 18 stores, administrators Ernst & Young have said.

The closures, which will cost 353 jobs, include the music and DVD chain’s flagship store in Piccadilly Circus in London.

via Zavvi To Close 18 More Music Stores – GIGWISE.

* Assa Abloy AB (ASSA-B.SK), the world’s largest lock maker by sales, Thursday became the latest Swedish company to make a swathe of job cuts in response to the economic downturn, announcing a new sweeping 1.18 billion Swedish kronor ($141.8 million) restructuring program that includes shutting down 15 productions units and laying off 1,800 employees.

via Dow Jones Deutschland: Assa Abloy To Close 15 Units, Cut 1,800 Jobs.

* Denby Pottery is in talks with union leaders over the exact number of layoffs, a spokesman said.

The firm employs 700 people at its offices, factories and shops across the UK, with 500 of them working at the headquarters in Denby, Derbyshire.

via BBC NEWS | England | Derbyshire | Pottery firm set to cut workforce.

* Punch Taverns has announced it is planning to cut 100 jobs at its head office in Staffordshire.

via BBC NEWS | UK | England | Staffordshire | Punch Taverns axes 100 HQ staff.

* A THOUSAND jobs are to go in Bradford at the ailing home shopping giant Grattan, the Yorkshire Post has learned.

Grattan yesterday warned its entire 3,800-strong workforce that their jobs were at risk.

via Grattan to axe 1,000 jobs – 3,800 ‘at risk’ – Yorkshire Post .

– Hiring News –

* IBM, the world’s largest technology services company, plans to open a new computer support center in Iowa, creating up to 1,300 new jobs and defying a trend of widespread corporate layoffs.

The Dubuque facility in a 10-story office building once occupied by now-defunct retailer Roshek’s Department Store, will create jobs for high-tech workers at a time when many technology companies are cutting staff.

via IBM to Create Up to 1,300 Jobs in Dubuque Facility – Computer Services * Technology * News * Story – CNBC.com.

* People are scrambling to inquire about CityCenter’s 12,000 job openings, considered by some to be the largest single employment opportunity in the United States.

Among Monday’s hoards of hopefuls stood Las Vegas resident Brandy Smith-Philips, who was waiting her turn to be called for a brief starter interview at a makeshift job center set up by CityCenter.

via ABC News: Applications Roll in for 12,000 New Jobs in Las Vegas .

Mike: It’s been a brutal day for layoffs and the news just keeps coming. I’ll post any big layoffs, but let’s leave today’s bad news with a few laughs.…………….

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