Global Tech Layoffs Cross 30,000 in Early 2026 as US Leads Cuts
Automation push and AI shift reshape hiring, with India seeing slower intake
Global technology companies have cut more than 30,700 jobs in the first two months of 2026, signaling continued restructuring across the sector.
According to a report by RationalFx, the United States accounted for about 24,600 layoffs, or just over 80% of total cuts.
Layoffs Concentrated in the US
The US remains the epicenter of workforce reductions.
In Asia, India reported around 920 job losses, the highest in the region.
Additional data from Layoffs.fyi show:
- 25,694 employees laid off
- Across 30 tech firms
- Within the first weeks of 2026
The pace suggests workforce optimization remains a priority.
2026 Cuts Could Surpass Last Year
Layoffs accelerated sharply in January.
If the current rate persists, total job cuts in 2026 could reach 273,305, exceeding the roughly 245,000 layoffs recorded in 2025.
Last year’s drivers included:
- Automation
- Cost controls
- Organisational restructuring
In 2026, the focus has shifted more visibly toward AI-skilled talent.
Companies are trimming legacy roles while prioritizing artificial intelligence capabilities.
Hiring Caution at Large IT Firms
India’s major IT services companies continue to hire conservatively.
These firms, traditionally large campus recruiters, have kept intake targets restrained amid uneven demand.
Current hiring signals:
- Infosys: Fresher hiring target around 20,000 for FY26
- TCS: Campus intake near 40,000 annually for the past two years
- TCS also plans to reduce about 2% of its workforce, or roughly 12,000 employees, amid its AI transition
The hiring engine is running—but at controlled speed.
Job Market Tightens for Candidates
Competition for roles has intensified.
LinkedIn data indicate that the number of applicants per job opening in India has more than doubled since early 2022.
Survey insights show:
- 84% of professionals feel unprepared to find a new role
- 72% are actively job hunting in 2026
- 74% of recruiters say finding candidates with the right skills has become harder
The paradox is stark: more applicants, but persistent skill gaps.
GCCs Show Mixed Signals
Global capability centres (GCCs) in India cut about 5,500 to 6,000 jobs in 2025.
Estimates for 2026 suggest layoffs of 4,000 to 5,000 employees, often linked to parent company pressures or product realignments.
Yet hiring remains robust.
GCC outlook:
- Expected to add 120,000 to 140,000 net new roles
- Across roughly 1,900 centres
- Focused largely on AI-related functions
Even amid layoffs, selective expansion continues.
The Broader Trend
The data suggest a recalibration rather than collapse.
Workforce reductions persist, particularly in the US, but companies are reallocating talent toward AI-driven capabilities.
Is the industry shrinking—or simply reshaping itself around automation?
TL;DR:
Tech layoffs have surpassed 30,700 globally in early 2026, with over 80% in the US. India reported 920 cuts. If trends continue, 2026 layoffs could exceed 273,000. Hiring remains cautious, though AI-focused roles and GCC expansions continue.
AI summary:
- 30,700+ tech layoffs in early 2026
- US accounts for over 80% of cuts
- 2026 layoffs may exceed 273,000
- Hiring cautious at major IT firms
- AI roles and GCCs still expanding
