Oct. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Job cuts announced by U.S. employers climbed 33 percent in September from a year earlier, led by reductions at computer- and automakers, according to a private placement firm.

Firing announcements rose to 95,094 last month from 71,739 in September 2007, Chicago-based Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. said in a statement today. Hewlett-Packard Co., the world's largest computer-maker, said last month it would eliminate 24,600 jobs, accounting for much of September's increase, Challenger said.

A slowdown in consumer spending and the ongoing housing recession are forcing businesses to trim payrolls to preserve profits. Firings may continue to rise as banks make credit more difficult to obtain.

``It may take several weeks or months for the fallout from September's Wall Street turmoil to hit the unemployment numbers,'' John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of the placement company, said in a statement. ``Companies are cutting costs, and investments in new technology may be put on hold.''

The Labor Department may report on Oct. 3 that the economy lost jobs in September for a ninth consecutive month. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News forecast payrolls dropped by 105,000 in September after declining by 84,000 in August.

Companies have announced a total of 763,090 cuts so far this year, up 30 percent from the first nine months of 2007, according to Challenger's survey.

One-Month Gain

The number of planned job cuts increased 7.2 percent in September from the 88,736 announced in August, Challenger said.

The figures aren't adjusted for seasonal effects so economists prefer to focus on year-over-year changes instead of monthly figures.

Computer companies led industries in announced reductions last month, with 25,715. Cutbacks at automotive firms, totaling 14,595, followed. Apparel makers announced 8,350 cuts and the financial industry announced 8,244 cutbacks.

Year-to-date, the financial industry has been the hardest hit in the wake of the housing slump and spreading losses, accounting for 111,201 announced cutbacks, followed by the automotive industry, with 94,918 announced firings.

``Everyone else is waiting to see if Congress agrees to provide a bailout package for all ailing financial firms,'' said Challenger. ``The question is whether the final legislation will directly or indirectly result in workforce reductions among the firms operating with far less capital than usual.''

The Challenger report does not always correlate with figures on first-time jobless claims or employment as reported by the government.

Many job cuts are carried out through attrition or early retirement. Some employees whose jobs are eliminated find work elsewhere in their companies, and some announced staff reductions never take place because business improves. Challenger's totals also include foreign affiliates.

To contact the reporter on this story: Timothy F. Homan in Washington at thoman1@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: October 1, 2008 07:30 EDT