January 2026 Layoffs Hit 17-Year High With AI and Automation as Leading Factor

Summary

Data from early-to-mid January 2026 shows that US job cuts surged to 108,435 in January — the worst monthly total since 2009, representing a 205% increase from December 2025. According to a Resume.org survey of hiring managers, the top reasons behind layoffs were AI or automation (17%) and reorganization or restructuring (17%). Additionally, 56% of hiring managers expected layoffs in their organization, with 17% saying they would definitely occur in Q1 2026. Major technology companies contribut