AP The weak economy has meant layoffs for many industries. But just how safe is your job? Take a look at these industries and workers, who are more vulnerable to layoffs than others. (Rankings are based on data from the US Labor Dept. and consulting firms, such as Challenger, Gray $ Christmas.) >Read the Story>Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

Photo: AP Employers in the housing industry, ranging from construction to development to mortgage lending to real estate sales, are experiencing widespread layoffs. >Read the Story>Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

Photo: AP The financial services sector which includes investment bankers, mortgage brokers, loan processors, stock traders, analysts and bank tellers has seen a number of layoffs due to subprime lending. > Read the Story> Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

Photo: AP Anyone engaged in the travel services industry, including hotel managers and staff, chefs and waitresses and travel agents, are facing a challenging year ahead. >Read the Story>Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

Photo: AP High end specialty stores, online retailers and big box discounters across the country are cutting staff -- largely targeting store managers -- in a bid to reduce costs as the soaring price of gas and groceries forces consumers to pare back spending. > Read the Story> Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

Photo: SXC Business consultants and temporary employees are having a tough time finding work as the economic downturn wears on. The same is true for accountants and corporate lawyers, many of whom have been forced to lower their hourly rates. >Read the Story>Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

Photo: AP The Labor Department reports manufacturing companies have shed some 383,000 jobs over the last 12 months, largely from companies engaged in transportation equipment, wood products, and textile mills. >Read the Story>Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

Photo: AP Record jet fuel prices have forced most airlines to announce layoffs for much of their staff including pilots, stewards and baggage handlers.>Read the Story>Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

Photo: AP High gasoline prices, tighter lending standards and general economic weakness have driven the nation's auto sector to reduce its ranks.>Read the Story>Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

Photo: AP Those who earn the least in our economy are also more vulnerable to economic pressure.Such jobs include cooks, janitors, child-care workers, laborers and freight workers, packers, cafeteria workers, cleaners, cashiers and food preparation workers. >Read the Story>Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

When times get tight in the public and private sector, layoffs are often dictated by seniority. Younger workers and people who return to the work force after an extended absence are at more risk to be laid off. >Read the Story>Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs

Women are more at risk of losing their jobs than men. A recent congressional study found that during the 2001 recession, women not only lost jobs disproportionately, but never saw their employment rates recover to their pre-recession peak.>Read the Story>Slideshow: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs> Click to Replay Slideshow

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