51.   The new law will allow financially troubled companies to restructure more easily by shedding workers, becoming more competitive and thus attracting foreign investors.

52.   The jobless rate had been edging up steadily since last year as cash-strapped companies scrambled to shed workers.

53.   The jobless rate soared as thousands of companies collapsed and surviving businesses began shedding workers to improve efficiency.

54.   The manufacturing sector has seen activity plunge and has been shedding workers as it struggles to cope with flagging demand.

55.   The talks resulted in new legislation that gave businesses more freedom to shed workers.

56.   To cope with sagging sales, manufacturers have sharply cut back production and shed workers.

57.   With contract provisions that make layoffs or firings expensive, automakers rely on retirement to shed workers.

58.   The phenomenon has grown in recent years as the hard hit economy has shed workers, especially in the construction sector.