Challenger Job Cuts

U.S. employers announced 43,281 job cuts in September 2026, down roughly 18% from 52,881 in August 2026, according to a report released October 1 by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The September figure also represents a 20% decline from the same month a year ago and marks the lowest total for any September since 2022.

By industry, the technology sector led all categories with 10,799 cuts in September, while food producers recorded 7,326 cuts — their second consecutive month above 7,000 — bringing their year-to-date total 76% above the same period in 2025. Excluding the government sector, cumulative cuts through September are down 15% compared to the first nine months of 2025.

Hiring plans rose in September from August's level but remained 23% below year-ago figures, indicating a cautious seasonal hiring pace. Third-quarter layoff plans totaled 129,591, a 43% decline from the second quarter of 2026, reflecting a continued easing in announced workforce reductions.

U.S. employers announced 52,881 job cuts in August 2026, up 58% from July's 33,429, according to a report released September 3 by global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Despite the month-over-month increase, the figure was down 38% from the same month a year ago, marking the lowest August total since 2022.

Restructuring led all stated reasons for cuts during the month, accounting for 16,173 announcements, or 31% of the total, ending a five-month streak in which artificial intelligence had been the top-cited cause. AI-related cuts fell to fourth place at 3,462, their lowest monthly level since December 2025. By industry, Consumer Products led in August, while Technology posted its lowest monthly cut total of 2026 at 6,103, though its year-to-date tally of 155,126 still accounts for 29% of all cuts announced so far this year.

Through the first eight months of 2026, employers have announced a cumulative 529,914 job cuts, down 41% from the 892,362 recorded in the same period of 2025. On the hiring side, employers announced 12,325 new positions in August, the highest August hiring plan total since 2022.

U.S.-based employers announced 33,429 job cuts in July 2026, down approximately 27% from the 45,849 cuts recorded in June, according to a report released on August 6, 2026 by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The July figure marks the lowest monthly total in two years and represents a decline of more than 46% compared to the same month in the prior year.

Breaking down the reasons for the cuts, artificial intelligence was cited as the leading factor for the fifth consecutive month, accounting for 10,970 of the total reductions. The report also noted that announced hiring plans rose to 16,095 in July, the highest level for any July on record.

Through the first seven months of 2026, U.S. employers have announced a cumulative 477,033 job cuts, a figure substantially below the pace seen over the same period in the previous year.

Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported in early July that US-based employers announced 45,849 job cuts in June 2026, down 53% from 97,006 in May. The total was also 4% lower than a year earlier and marked the lowest monthly figure since December 2025.

Artificial intelligence was cited as the leading reason for cuts for a fourth consecutive month, accounting for 14,029 announced reductions, or about 31% of the total. By sector, technology led with 15,503 cuts in June.

Through the first half of 2026, employers announced 443,604 job cuts, down 40% from 744,308 in the same period of 2025.