Jan 2026: Highest January Layoff Plans Since 2009, 108K Announced; Q1 Outlook Weak

January 2026 saw the highest monthly layoff plans since 2009, with 108,435 announced by US firms—more than double the 49,795 in January 2025. Total job cuts in 2025 reached 1.2 million, signaling reduced confidence in 2026 as companies cite AI investments, reorientation, and post-pandemic hiring adjustments. Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said most plans were set late last year. January hiring intentions fell to 5,306, the lowest since 2009. Federal layoff and openings data for December will be released on February 5, following a brief delay due to a partial government shutdown. The government’s layoff rate remains historically low, as does the hiring rate.