Post by : Badri Ariffin

As job cuts continue to rise, US workers are experiencing heightened stress and uncertainty. The nation managed to add only 50,000 jobs last month, a drop from November's 56,000, as companies embrace a "no-hire, no-fire" policy amidst economic challenges.

A number of firms are trimming their workforce due to escalating expenses from tariffs, inflation, and shifts in consumer behavior. Additionally, businesses are investing in artificial intelligence, often as part of their broader restructuring plans. Layoffs from federal jobs last year have further fueled concerns regarding job security.

Significant Layoffs in the US:

• Amazon: Announced a reduction of 16,000 corporate roles in January, following an earlier 14,000 layoffs. These cuts aim at reevaluating structure and advancing AI integration.

• UPS: Set to cut as many as 30,000 operational positions this year via voluntary buyouts and attrition, after 48,000 reductions in 2025.

• Tyson Foods: Shut down a facility in Lexington, Nebraska, impacting 3,200 employees, and reduced shifts in Amarillo, Texas, leading to 1,700 job losses.

• HP: Plans to let go of 4,000 to 6,000 workers by 2028 as part of operational streamlining and AI integration.

• Verizon: Over 13,000 employees have been laid off since November to enhance operational efficiency.

• Nestlé: Enacting a global job cut of 16,000 positions over two years amid escalating tariffs and commodity costs.

• Novo Nordisk: Planning 9,000 layoffs (11% of its workforce) as part of realignment in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Intel: Reduced its workforce from 99,500 to 75,000 through layoffs and attrition, impacting 15% of roles.

• Procter & Gamble: Targeting a global cut of 7,000 jobs within two years related to restructuring and cost-saving initiatives.

• Microsoft: Experienced two rounds of layoffs last year that affected 15,000 individuals, linked to AI investments.

Additional firms such as General Motors, Paramount, Target, ConocoPhillips, and Lufthansa Group are also implementing job cuts, impacting thousands more workers.

As hiring declines and layoffs expand, US workforce feels the strain, with AI advancements and economic issues reshaping the job landscape.

#Global News