January layoffs rose to the highest level for the month since 2009

Job Cuts Overview - U.S. employers announced 108,435 job cuts in January, marking a 205% increase from December and a significant rise from 49,795 cuts in January of the previous year [1][2] - This January's layoffs represent the highest monthly total since October 2025, when 153,074 layoffs were recorded [2] Sector-Specific Job Cuts - The transportation sector led with 31,243 job cuts, primarily due to UPS announcing 30,000 cuts as it reduces its operations with Amazon [6] - Technology firms reported 22,291 job cuts, with Amazon alone accounting for 16,000 of these as it reorganizes its management structure [6][11] - Healthcare companies announced 17,107 job cuts, the highest for the sector since April 2020, driven by inflation, high labor costs, and lower reimbursements from Medicaid and Medicare [9] - Chemical manufacturers reported 4,701 cuts, largely influenced by shifts towards AI and automation at companies like Dow [10] Reasons for Layoffs - The primary reasons for layoffs included contract loss (30,784 cuts), adverse market and economic conditions (28,392 cuts), restructuring (20,044 cuts), and closings (12,738 cuts) [13] - AI was cited as a reason for 7,624 job cuts, although its direct impact remains uncertain [14] Hiring Trends - Employers announced only 5,306 hiring plans in January, the lowest for the month since tracking began in 2009, down from 6,089 in January of the previous year and 10,496 in December [14][15]