US Job Cuts Rise Amid Economic Uncertainty in 2026

US workers are facing growing anxiety as job cuts increase and hiring remains stagnant. Last month, the country added just 50,000 jobs, down from 56,000 in November, as businesses maintain a “no-hire, no-fire” stance amid economic uncertainty.

Many companies are reducing staff due to rising costs from tariffs, inflation, and changing consumer spending. Businesses are also redirecting funds toward artificial intelligence, often as part of broader restructuring. Federal government layoffs last year have added to workers’ concerns about stable employment.

Major Layoffs in the US:

• Amazon: Cut 16,000 corporate jobs in January, three months after laying off 14,000 employees. The cuts focus on restructuring and AI adoption.

• UPS: Plans to reduce up to 30,000 operational jobs this year through voluntary buyouts and attrition, following 48,000 cuts in 2025.

• Tyson Foods: Closed a plant in Lexington, Nebraska, affecting 3,200 workers, and reduced one shift in Amarillo, Texas, cutting 1,700 jobs.

• HP: Will lay off 4,000–6,000 employees by 2028, streamlining operations and integrating AI.

• Verizon: More than 13,000 employees laid off since November to simplify operations.

• Nestlé: Cutting 16,000 global jobs over two years to reduce costs amid rising tariffs and commodity prices.

• Novo Nordisk: Plans 9,000 layoffs (11% of workforce) as part of restructuring in the pharma sector.

• Intel: Reduced workforce from 99,500 to 75,000 through layoffs and attrition, including a 15% reduction.

• Procter & Gamble: Cutting 7,000 jobs globally over two years as part of restructuring and cost-saving efforts.

• Microsoft: Two rounds of layoffs last year impacted 15,000 employees amid AI investments.

Other companies also cutting jobs include General Motors, Paramount, Target, ConocoPhillips, and Lufthansa Group, affecting thousands more.

Workers across the US are feeling the pressure as hiring slows and layoffs continue, with AI and economic challenges reshaping the employment landscape.