Similarly, the number of possible layoffs is unclear.

Network television is in a steep downturn that has led to forecasts of reduced profits and possible layoffs.

He also called on the city's labor unions to give concessions or suffer contracts without raises and possible layoffs.

Some relatives of the graduates said the new officers had followed news reports about possible layoffs with alarm, afraid all their training would be for nothing.

Thousands of firefighters were laid off between 2009 and 2010, and another 7,000 could face possible layoffs this year.

But good times haven't returned to Wall Street, where the talk is more of possible layoffs than of stocks that are likely to double.

It was those agencies that Mr. Giuliani identified as facing possible layoffs.

Barnesandnoble.com's stock rose 4 percent, or 9 cents, to $2.12 in regular trading yesterday as speculation spread about possible layoffs.

For weeks, workers at Barnesandnoble.com's Manhattan headquarters have heard rumors of possible layoffs.

Businesses are also making a greater effort to keep employees informed about possible layoffs and provide counseling for employees and their families, he said.