Meta Among Tech Leaders with 18,720 March Layoffs as AI Cuts Rise 13%
U.S. employers announced 60,620 job cuts in March, up 25% from February, while Q1 cuts totaled 217,362, down 56% year-over-year. Tech firms led with 18,720 layoffs in March—including Meta—while AI-linked cuts reached 27,645 in Q1, prompting firms to reallocate budgets toward AI functions.
1. Surge in Monthly Job Cuts
U.S. employers announced 60,620 job cuts in March, marking a 25% increase from February. Despite this monthly uptick, the total of 217,362 cuts in Q1 represents a 56% decline from the same period last year, suggesting an overall cooling trend in layoffs.
2. Tech Sector Drives Layoff Numbers
The technology industry accounted for 18,720 job cuts in March and 52,050 in Q1, with Meta listed among the largest contributors. These reductions reflect structural realignments as tech firms adjust headcounts to optimize operations.
3. AI-Linked Cuts and Budget Reallocation
Layoffs attributed to AI totaled 15,341 in March and 27,645 in Q1—13% of all announced cuts. Companies are redirecting resources toward AI development, trimming roles that no longer align with strategic priorities.