Rise in layoffs, gas prices cloud hiring outlook
World BusinessMay 6, 2011
Rapid spike in layoffs heightens concerns that pricier gas is slowing U.S. economyWASHINGTON (AP) ― A renewed rise in layoffs is the latest sign that higher fuel prices may be slowing the economy.A 23 percent spike in applications for unemployment benefits over the past month suggests that hiring may look weaker when the government issues the April jobs report Friday.Oil prices plummeted Thursday