A surge of layoffs from major U.S. corporations is accelerating into 2026, following 1.17 million job cuts announced through November 2025—the highest total since 2020. Workers across manufacturing, tech, and services face mounting pressure as companies restructure amid automation and fiscal resets.

The 2025 Layoff Surge Sets the Stage

November 2025 alone brought 71,321 job losses, driven largely by technology and retail sectors embracing AI automation. This wave reflects broader corporate strategies to streamline operations. Federal rules mandating 60 days' notice mean cuts filed late last year are now taking effect, creating a concentrated hit to employment nationwide.

January 2026 Triggers Widespread Restructurings

The new year brings a concentration of layoffs as companies implement restructuring plans, with over 100 firms filing notices for January cuts. Companies like Procter & Gamble timed reductions to start fresh, shedding redundant roles. This structural shift amplifies uncertainty, as automation replaces both factory and office positions, from rural plants to urban headquarters.

Industries Facing the Sharpest Cuts

Manufacturing leads the downturn, with Tyson Foods closing its Lexington, Nebraska, plant on January 20, 2026, eliminating 3,200 jobs there and 1,700 more at Amarillo—totaling 4,900 losses—for supply chain efficiencies. General Motors laid off 1,140 workers at Detroit's Factory Zero EV plant starting January 5, citing slow electric vehicle adoption. Intel slashed 24,000 roles, or 20% of its workforce, delaying Ohio factory construction and focusing on design over production. Logistics firms like UPS plan 48,000 cuts through 2026 under its "Network of the Future," closing hubs and deploying robotics, while FedEx ends 856 jobs at its Coppell, Texas, site by April due to client shifts.

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