Layoffs become rarer even with unemployment high

The Seattle Times reports:

The U.S. labor force has been split into two groups: the relieved and the desperate. If you have a job, you can exhale; you're less likely to lose it than at any point in at least 14 years. If you're unemployed? Good luck. Finding a job remains a struggle 20 months after the recession technically ended. Employers won't likely step up hiring until they feel more confident