Toyota had a policy of not laying-off permanent employees for many decades after layoffs during the 50s (see e.g. [1] and the "Toyota Way" books). It is perhaps interesting to consider how this fits with some of the other ways that Toyota is run. E.g. Toyota has a culture of continuous improvement and elimination of waste in processes -- and it is very likely that employees will be more far more receptive regarding initiatives that could automate away or eliminate some or all of their work if they know that they will still retain their jobs.

[1] http://www.leanblog.org/2009/01/report-toyotas-first-layoffs...

edit: that said -- i do not think it would be a fantastic idea to decide not to fire employees for any reason.