Usa: +60,3% layoffs in July, the highest in the last 16 months

The number of layoffs announced by US companies reached 66.414 units in July compared to 41.432 units a month ago, thus registering an increase of 60,3%. This is the highest level in the last sixteen months. The sector that contributed most massively was the pharmaceutical one, as it accounted for 20,32% of the total layoffs. The retail sales sector followed suit, adding 16,93%. "What is most worrying about the July report - explained John Challenger - is that important personnel reduction plans have been announced even in sectors that until now had contained and limited the programs of job cuts".