Global Tech Layoffs Surge In 2026 As 80,000 Jobs Cut So Far. Reason: AI And Automation

Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 17:08 IST

Layoffs 2026: The United States remains the worst-affected market, accounting for nearly 77 per cent of global layoffs so far in 2026.

Global technology layoffs are accelerating in 2026, with more than 80,000 jobs already cut in the first quarter and total losses likely to cross 300,000 this year, according to a report by TradingPlatforms. The report said the latest round of layoffs is part of a broader post-pandemic correction, with more than one million tech jobs lost globally since 2021 as companies scale back aggressive Covid-era hiring.

Nearly half of all layoffs in 2026 have been linked to AI-related restructuring, as companies shift resources toward automation, infrastructure and efficiency measures.

Read more: Oracle India Layoffs: Around 12,000 Jobs Cut; More Reductions Expected

Which Sector Has Seen Most Layoffs?

Cloud computing, software and software-as-a-service (SaaS) firms reported the highest number of layoffs this year, accounting for around 28,000 job cuts globally. E-commerce companies followed with nearly 19,000 layoffs as firms continued cost-cutting and operational restructuring. The report said many companies are reorganising teams to prioritise artificial intelligence investments while streamlining existing businesses.

Which Countries Have Been Hit The Most?

The United States remains the worst-affected market, accounting for nearly 77 per cent of global layoffs so far in 2026. More than 61,000 jobs have been cut across 62 companies in the US alone. Outside the US, Australia recorded around 4,450 layoffs. In Europe, Austria, Sweden and the Netherlands reported notable job reductions linked to pressures in semiconductor manufacturing, telecom and IT services.

Read more: 70,000 Jobs Gone In 3 Months: Oracle, Meta, GoPro Among 80 Tech Firms Cutting Staff In 2026 So Far

In Asia, India saw over 2,000 layoffs, followed by Israel and Singapore. Cuts in the region were spread across AI startups, e-commerce platforms and cybersecurity firms.

Which Companies Have Cut The Most Jobs?

Oracle reported the highest number of layoffs globally in 2026, eliminating more than 25,000 roles as part of restructuring tied to its AI infrastructure expansion. Amazon followed with around 16,000 job cuts as it moved to simplify operations and improve efficiency. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, cut approximately 2,400 positions.

Read more: AI Impact: Dell Cuts 11000 Jobs In Multi Year Cost Drive, Workforce Down 10%

Is AI Replacing Jobs?

The report said AI is increasingly influencing workforce decisions, but many of the layoffs appear to be pre-emptive cost-cutting measures rather than direct automation replacing workers at scale. The report noted, “AI is no longer just a future investment but a current driver of organisational restructuring and workforce decisions."

News world Global Tech Layoffs Surge In 2026 As 80,000 Jobs Cut So Far. Reason: AI And Automation

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