How To Learn About Recent Layoffs

The economy is terrible right now.  National unemployment is 9.5%, car sales are down by nearly half and home sales are also on the decline.  All of these factors have either contributed to layoffs or are a result of them.  People aren't spending the money they once did which affects retail sales.   And when companies aren't making money, they lay people off.

There are a number of ways to learn about recent layoffs.  Read the business section of your local newspaper and you will find articles daily that discuss layoffs.  For example, Comair has recently announced that it will lay off pilots in the fall.  General Motors is cutting back as are dealerships.  Local newspapers are excellent places to learn about recent layoffs, both nationally and in your local area.  The Wall Street Journal and USA Today also have business sections that mention layoffs.

Another great way to learn about recent layoffs is through the Internet.  If are interested in finding out about a specific company that you are interviewing for a job, you can do a search on Google.  Just type in the company's name and a comma, then add the word "layoffs."  If the company has had any layoffs within the past year or so, an article or two may appear about it.  That way you know ahead of your interview whether or not any layoffs have occurred at that company.  You can also search "company layoffs" and a slew of information will appear.  You can actually type in "company layoffs 2008" and learn which companies had attrition by year.  And you can search by specific areas, too.

Many business publications devote part of their magazines to recent layoffs.  Forbes is a good source for layoffs.  You can also access their website and find layoffs by specific year.  They are listed in chronological order.

You local chamber of commerce or city hall may have information regarding layoffs.  Just pick up the phone and ask them. They may point you in the right direction.  The library may be another source that can give you some insight on recent layoffs.

There may be a number of things that you want to know about specific layoffs.  Perhaps you are just interested in the number of layoffs this year for a particular company.  You might also want to know which departments were affected and whether any additional layoffs are expected.  Do your research and you'll get the information that you need.