The latest jobless claims data is in today, and it appears that we’re at a high not seen for 16 years. And, while we see the big news, like massive layoffs from Citi, there are thousands of other layoffs taking place in a much more dramatic fashion: Small business is being impacted by the economic slowdown.

If you hire people as part of your home business, you may be finding that it might be difficult to maintain their hours — or you may have to lay them off altogether. Although many home and small business people are hoping that the holiday shopping boost will help fend of the inevitable for a little bit longer.