American workers faced their toughest January since the 2009 financial crisis as companies announced 108,435 layoffs – a shocking 118% increase from January 2025. The numbers reveal a dramatic shift in corporate confidence as 2026 begins, with hiring plans hitting historic lows 🚨
Why This Matters Now
Transportation and tech sectors took the hardest hits:
💼 UPS plans to cut 30,000+ jobs
📦 Amazon announces 16,000 layoffs
The Big Picture
"This isn't typical first-quarter restructuring," said Andy Challenger, workplace expert at Challenger Gray & Christmas. "These decisions were baked into corporate strategies during 2025's final months – it shows real anxiety about 2026's economic climate."
The layoff surge comes as economists debate whether this signals a temporary correction or the start of sustained labor market cooling. With hiring plans at 15-year lows, young professionals are advised to:
