Business Digest

First half of 2009 saw big layoffs

Columbus

Ohio experienced 390 mass layoffs in the first two quarters of 2009, up from 229 for the same period in 2008, Ohio Job and Family Services reported Wednesday. Of those events, 48 were full or partial closures of establishment with one or more work sites, up from 32 in 2008.

The layoffs resulted in 84,879 separations. The manufacturing industry was hit hardest by layoffs during that period, followed by the construction industry. Decreased business demand was responsible for the majority of the mass layoff events.

Consumer Price Index rose in March

chicago

The Consumer Price Index for the Midwest rose 0.4 percent in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. The index increased 2.6 percent from its March 2009 level.

The transportation index rose 1.6 percent over the month, and accounted for over 60 percent of the movement in the overall index, due to increased gas prices in March.

Energy prices increased 2.9 percent, and saw an 18.8 percent increase from March 2009.

Apparel prices went up 2.7 percent over the month, accounting for slightly more than 20 percent of the overall change. Apparel prices typically increase in March with the introduction of spring and summer clothing lines.

The recreation index was the only group to decline for month, falling 0.4 percent.