Tech sector layoffs spiked in the second quarter, with some 16,404 jobs being lost, nearly 5 times the level of the previous period. Still, it’s a dramatic improvement over the second quarter of 2012, when more than 32,000 jobs were eliminated, according to data from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The second quarter hit may come down to a simple case of timing. Consider: Computer sales generally get a boost during the third quarter with back-to-school sales, followed by holiday sales in the fourth quarter, then clearance sales in the first quarter. The second quarter provides a lull in the action and a time for companies to regroup and reorganize – leading to layoffs. Unfortunately, the situation may not get better. "The second half of the year could see even more job cuts in the technology sector, as at least one forecaster cut its forecast for global IT spending this year in half due to slowing PC sales," said company CEO John Challenger. "Research firm Gartner recently recalibrated its spending outlook from an originally reported 4 percent gain to a less optimistic 2 percent."