WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (Reuters) – Layoffs announced by U.S. employers fell sharply in November, but hiring intentions continued to lag as businesses navigated an uncertain economic environment against the backdrop of tariffs on imports and slowing demand.

Global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas said on Thursday planned job cuts declined 53% to 71,321 last month from October. They were, however, 24% higher compared to the same period last year, and November’s tally was the largest for the month since 2022.

So far this year, employers have announced about 1.171 million job cuts, up 54% versus the first 11 months of 2024. In contrast, planned hires totaled only 497,151, the lowest year-to-date total since 2010, and down 35% compared to the same period in 2024.

But the jump in pla

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