Hiring freezes gain ground over layoffs

As the nation’s economic outlook darkens, most companies are holding off on layoffs. But a growing number are choosing not to fill open positions when employees leave, or backfill jobs, at least in the short term and possibly for longer. The trend, which amounts to a less disruptive and costly way to shrink a company’s workforce, is expected to contribute to slower job growth in the months ahead, increasing the likelihood of a recession.