Gelonghui May 2| U.S. employment data company Challenger reported ThursdayoldarcadeIn April, U.S. companies scaled back recruitment plansoldarcadeCompanies announced the fewest number of new employees in the first four months since 2016. Last month, the company announced plans to hire 9802 employees, the lowest number in April since 2013. The number of layoffs also fell, with employers planning to lay off 64794 people, down 28% from March. Andy Challenger, senior vice president of the company, said,"The labor market remains tight. But as labor costs continue to rise, companies will slow down their hiring pace, and we expect further layoffs will be needed." "The low layoffs in April may be the tranquility before the storm." The automotive industry had the largest number of layoffs in April, with Tesla accounting for the vast majority of layoffs. Companies have laid off 800 people citing artificial intelligence, the highest monthly figure since May 2023.