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In 2025, there have been more than 8,06,000 layoffs across the world.
Artificial intelligence is considered one of the major reasons for these job cuts.
Economic disruptions and policy changes are several other factors that are leading to mass layoffs.
2025 has proved to be an unsettling year for the international workforce. By August, more than 8,06,000 jobs were gotten rid of worldwide, a 75% jump compared to the same period in 2024.
Technology companies, manufacturing units, and biotech companies have all been hit, showing the extent of the employment crisis. Experts caution that the pattern could persist until the end of the year, as companies adapt to economic uncertainties, changing technologies, and adapting consumer markets.
The scale of the layoffs over the past few years has been tremendous. Even industries that traditionally offered job security, like IT services and government-sponsored sectors, have not been spared. Firms have increasingly turned to layoffs to increase efficiency and profitability, particularly in high-cost locations.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is considered to be one of the major drivers of workforce reduction. While AI offers improved productivity, improved data analysis, and reduced operational expenses, it also replaces repetitive jobs throughout industries. Content moderation, data entry, customer service, and even certain programming chores are being automated on a large scale.
TikTok’s UK office is a recent example, where more than 300 staff members were axed to prepare for AI-based systems. In India, businesses are looking at AI-based tools to automate back-office processes. Experts opine that industries depending heavily on mundane or rule-based work will still be subjected to AI-led restructuring.
Also Read: TikTok Layoffs in the UK with AI Stepping In: What’s Really Happening?
Ongoing economic disruptions continue to feed layoffs. The persistent price rise, ongoing trade disputes, and unpredictable demand force corporations to reconsider their hiring strategies. The manufacturing and retail sectors, which were once considered dependable, are now required to cut expenses.
A well-known example is the 1,100 job cuts accompanying International Paper’s closure of two Georgia paper mills. This shows how companies favor operational efficiency over paper consolidation.
At the same time, the retail and service sectors are also adopting automation and AI to reduce labor costs. This hints at a global phenomenon where technology and economic conditions are leading to mass layoffs.
The Online Gaming Bill in India is a good example of the impact of regulatory changes. The Bill caused revenue losses for Dream11 and similar platforms as a direct consequence of the new legislation.
Workforce cuts can result from decreasing profits, and as such, compliance costs, licensing, and other sector regulations can have an impact. The companies that face the hardest choices to balance the books take the biggest hit, and as such, employees feel the brunt of the policy change, as is customary.
Layoffs during 2025 are across industries and geographies. Some of the key instances are:
India:
Dream11 - Staff reduced owing to regulatory effects.
Infosys - More than 5,000 employees downsized as part of cost-cutting initiatives.
Wipro - Around 4,000 job losses across units.
TCS - About 12,000 employees (2% of worldwide staff) were affected by skills mismatch and reorganization, indicating intensifying pressure on IT firms to re-skill their staff in accordance with emerging technologies.
International:
Meta (USA) - 3,600 jobs lost in restructuring and AI integration.
Microsoft (USA) - Almost 5,000 layoffs in cloud and software units.
Oracle (USA) - 2,882 jobs lost in worldwide realignment.
CSL (Australia) - 12,000 jobs shed, 3,000 of which were in the vaccine division, in response to falling profits in the US market.
These numbers highlight that job cuts are not limited to one industry or region. Technology and regulated industries are also experiencing serious layoffs, reflecting the global extent of reorganization in 2025.
Analysts predict layoffs may continue as AI adoption accelerates and economic uncertainty persists. Surveys indicate that one in five US employers plans to slow hiring in the second half of 2025. Sectors undergoing rapid technological transformation and those affected by regulatory or market pressures are particularly vulnerable.
The trend indicates that businesses will persist in applying workforce realignments to remain competitive. Staff in at-risk industries might need to be ready for potential disruptions in the months ahead.
Also Read: Big Tech Companies Face Scrutiny Over H-1B Hiring Practices Amid Layoffs
Adaptability and ongoing learning are essential for workers moving through this uncertain landscape. Upskilling in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and other evolving technologies can increase employability. Networking, investigating other career avenues, and financial readiness are key strategies.
For workers in impacted industries, keeping abreast of trends, knowing the kinds of jobs most likely to be automated, and actively seeking skill development can minimize susceptibility to redundancies.
2025 is set to be a revolutionary year for jobs worldwide. AI implementation, economic distress, and regulatory changes have all contributed to widespread layoffs across industries. Although workforce cutbacks are unavoidable, employers and employees must take preventive measures to move forward with this changing tide.
The year points to the value of flexibility, innovation, and forward thinking to ensure stability in an unstable job market. Individuals who can anticipate change, learn relevant skills, and be adaptable are likely to find themselves better prepared in the post-layoff landscape.
Q1: Which sectors are most affected by the 2025 layoffs?
Technology, IT services, biotechnology, manufacturing, and retail are most affected due to AI, cost-cutting, and regulatory pressures.
Q2: How many employees did TCS lay off in 2025?
TCS cut around 12,000 employees globally, about 2% of its workforce, citing skills mismatch and restructuring needs.
Q3: Are AI-driven layoffs expected to continue?
Yes, as AI adoption accelerates, roles with routine or repetitive tasks are increasingly vulnerable to automation.
Q4: How are Indian companies affected by regulatory changes?
Platforms like Dream11 have reduced staff due to new gaming regulations, impacting revenue and prompting layoffs.
Q5: How can employees protect themselves amid layoffs?
Upskill in AI, analytics, cybersecurity, and network professionally, explore alternative roles, and maintain financial preparedness.
