Global Tech Layoffs 2026 Amid AI Boom
New York | January 9, 2026
In an era characterized by the burgeoning integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, the global technology sector continues to grapple with workforce reductions. Although layoffs experienced a downturn in 2026 compared to the previous year, the specter of job losses looms large in the industry.
Recent statistics reveal that tech entities worldwide, including those operating in India, terminated 122,549 positions across 257 firms in 2025. This figure represents a 19.86 percent reduction compared to the 152,922 layoffs documented by 551 companies in 2025.
To put this in perspective, the industry endured 264,320 layoffs in 2024 and 165,269 job cuts in 2023, indicating a protracted phase of workforce realignment.
Intel Leads Global Layoffs
The United States-based semiconductor titan Intel reported the highest tally of layoffs in 2025, shedding 27,000 positions in two distinct phases.
The company dismissed 22,000 employees in April and an additional 5,000 in July, initiatives aimed at achieving cost restructuring and operational optimization.
Other Major Tech Companies Cutting Jobs
Numerous prominent technology firms have also embarked on substantial workforce reductions throughout the year:
- Microsoft: 15,000 employees laid off
- Amazon: 14,000 global job cuts
- HP: 8,000 layoffs executed in two phases
- Salesforce: 4,000 employees let go
- Meta: 3,600 job cuts, citing expense optimization
Why Are Layoffs Continuing?
Experts attribute ongoing layoffs to a trifecta of factors: high attrition rates, economic unpredictability, and escalating operational costs.
Companies are facing a paradox; although there is a dearth of skilled professionals in emerging technologies, numerous firms are simultaneously trimming positions due to pervasive concerns over global recession apprehensions, trade disputes, inflationary challenges, and disruptions in supply chains.
The imperative for cost management has become paramount as organizations navigate erratic demand and uncertain revenue trajectories. This has led to a rationalization of the workforce, even amidst substantial investments in AI-enabled innovation.
India Also Sees Significant Job Cuts
India mirrors this global trend with its own substantial layoffs. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) emerged as a notable player in domestic workforce reductions, terminating over 12,000 positions in 2025, citing structural changes and skill mismatches; a move that has sparked criticism.
Additionally, 29 other Indian firms collectively laid off approximately 6,995 employees in the same year. Key contributors include:
- Ola Electric: 1,000 job cuts
- Zomato: 600 layoffs
- Cars24: 520 employees let go
Analysts contend that while the assimilation of AI continues to revolutionize business paradigms, workforce stability in the tech sector remains precarious. Companies are obliged to equilibrate innovation with the ever-present pursuit of cost efficiency.
Source link: Internationalnewsandviews.com.
