Summary Box: Another cruel month for jobseekers

RISING PINK SLIPS: Employers cut 263,000 jobs in September, after a reduction of 201,000 in August. Even though the economy is in a recovery, companies are still sticking with cost cutting. The unemployment rate rose from 9.7 percent in August to 9.8 percent in September, a 26-year high. Companies aren’t likely to step up hiring until they feel confident the economic turnaround has staying power.

MORE PAIN AHEAD: Employers are expected to keep cutting jobs in the months ahead. The unemployment rate is likely to top 10 percent this year and keep climbing. It could rise as high as 10.5 percent by the middle of next year before drifting slowly down.

RISKS ABOUND: Rising unemployment and stagnant wages could crimp consumer spending — the biggest source of economic activity. The result is likely to be slower growth, or none at all.