The United States unemployment numbers suggest about 5 million lost jobs in 2008.  Now, those numbers relate to people filing for unemployment benefits.  So, arguably the number is worse with many people rehired, living off their savings (not their 201k’s), embarrassed to look for work, or moving back in with their Mom and Dad.

The Worried Worker is looking for positive signs and we’ll see them, but we won’t see jobs come back that quick.  We’re a bit nervous to say the least.

The businesses listed below (based on an AP list) do not count the local dry cleaner, the gas station, the boutique, the grocer, etc.  We hope the worst is behind us, but the body count is not good. 

Stay tuned for daily updates on what you can do to get through this mess and help the work get back to work.

RETAILERS

Mervyns filed for bankruptcy protection in July and began liquidation sales at remaining stores.

Linens ‘n Things filed for bankruptcy protection in May announcing liquidation sales in October.
Steve & Barry’s filed for bankruptcy protection in July, then later said it would liquidate.
KB Toys filed for bankruptcy protection before Christmas and has begun to liquidate its stores.

The Bombay Co. declared bankruptcy in September 2007 and shut its stores by last January.
Sharper Image Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection in February and closed all its stores.
Woolworths Group in Britain put its nearly century-old retail business into administration.

BANKS OR INVESTMENT FIRMS

Bear Stearns Cos. was bought by JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a deal orchestrated by the government.
Lehman Bros. Holdings Inc. reported a $4-billion loss, then declared bankruptcy in September, the largest ever in the United States.

Washington Mutual was bought by Chase

Downey Savings was bought by US BANK

Other banks?  Too many to list

Butthole Madoff?  Do we want to mention him, or pour salt on his open wounds?

AIRLINES

ATA Airlines filed for bankruptcy April 2 and ceased operations the next day.
Aloha Airlines shut down passenger service in March, shortly after filing for bankruptcy.
Skybus Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection in April.