Summary
A recent study shows that warnings for mass layoffs in the U.S. have risen to their highest level since 2016. This comes as fewer people are being hired, raising concerns about a weaker job market.
Key Facts
- WARN notices, which employers issue before mass layoffs, are at their highest level since 2016, excluding the initial pandemic surge.
- Goldman Sachs analysis shows more companies are mentioning layoffs in their earnings calls.
- Discussions about layoffs often mention artificial intelligence as a factor in the tech sector.
- A report noted that U.S. employers announced 153,074 job cuts in October, a 175% increase from the previous year.
- Year-to-date job cuts in 2025 have reached 1.1 million, up 65% from the same period in 2024.
- Economists are worried because hiring rates are currently low, making it hard for unemployed people to find new jobs.
- Recent unemployment benefit filings remain low, but WARN notices suggest more layoffs could happen soon.
