Planned layoffs for the first half of 2010 have reached the slowest rate in a decade. June now marks a third consecutive month in which fewer than 40,000 layoffs were announced.

“While some may question the sustainability of this recovery, the dramatic decline in planned layoffs over the past six months certainly suggests that the nation’s employers are not anticipating a double-dip recession,” said Chief Executive Officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, John Challenger.

“With the exception of organizations in the government and non-profit sector, employers are looking six months ahead and apparently do not see a reason to make additional reductions in payrolls,” said Challenger.