Layoffs Not An Option For Some US Businesses

JEANNINE AVERSA

WASHINGTON (AP) — Revenue may be down and the pressure to slash costs intense, but some U.S. companies say job cuts are not an option.

Companies that have avoided layoffs amid this recession are the exception, not the rule. U.S. employers have cut 5.1 million jobs since the recession began, including 663,000 last month alone. But some are looking to shave costs while keeping their work forces intact, so that when the economy does turn around, they'll be ready to ratchet up production again.

Economists say that's a wise move. ...