2009 jobs outlook is grim

December losses may top 500,000

By Jeannine Aversa • ASSOCIATED PRESS • January 8, 2009

WASHINGTON — Americans probably suffered a net loss of 2.4 million jobs last year, with the pain likely to stretch well into 2009 and possibly beyond, underscoring the recession's toll on employers and workers and the difficulty President-elect Barack Obama will face in reviving the economy.

The new year has gotten off to a rough start, and more bad news is expected this week when the government releases data on weekly jobless claims and December unemployment.