This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Sequester to

ding Utahns'

jobless benefits

About 4,000 Utahns who receive federal emergency unemployment benefits will see a 12.8 percent reduction in their weekly checks beginning April 28, according to the state Department of Workforce Services. The reductions are due to forced sequestration cuts by the federal government.

Output dips

in Utah but

growth endures

Manufacturing activity in Utah fell in March to 53.3 from 54.7 in February, according to an index prepared by the Goss Institute, which monitors business conditions in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. Anything above 50 is considered to signal economic growth. Utah trailed Colorado (60.8) and Wyoming (58.3).

Avon cutting

jobs as part of

restructuring

Avon is eliminating 400 positions and abandoning or restructuring smaller or underperforming businesses in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, including an exit from Ireland. The job cuts, about 1 percent of Avon's 39,100 employees, will occur across all regions and segments. They are part of a turnaround plan under CEO Sheri McCoy.

Alcoa reports

increase in

1Q net income

Alcoa kicked off earnings season by reporting an improved first-quarter profit helped by strong demand for aluminum used to make airplanes and autos. Its first quarter profit was $149 million, or 13 cents per share, compared with $94 million, or 9 cents per share, a year ago.