Global companies such as Amazon have experienced a major wave of layoffs in 2026, with thousands of jobs already cut since January as companies restructure operations and increase investments in artificial intelligence (AI).
According to a report by TradingPlatforms, the layoffs are largely linked to AI-driven restructuring, automation, and cost-cutting measures across the technology sector. The United States accounts for the majority of the job losses, recording nearly 100,000 layoffs across 89 companies.
Oracle has reported the highest number of layoffs globally in 2026, cutting more than 25,000 jobs as part of its AI infrastructure expansion.
“The layoffs are directly tied to Oracle’s rapid expansion into AI infrastructure. Despite reporting a 95% surge in net income to $6.13 billion in Q2 of its fiscal 2026 results, the company is shedding tens of thousands of jobs to redirect capital toward large-scale data centre investments,” read part of the report.
Amazon and Oracle Lay Off Employees in 2026
Amazon ranks second for total layoffs in 2026, with more than 16,000 jobs cut so far.
According to the company, the latest layoffs are part of a broader effort to streamline its organizational structure and boost operational efficiency.
However, these cuts come despite strong financial results, with Amazon reporting $716.9 billion in revenue in 2025.
The report notes that another major contributor to the layoffs is American IT consulting and outsourcing firm Cognizant.
In April, reports of around 4,000 job cuts initially surfaced, linked to its restructuring programme known as Project Leap.
However, later media estimates suggested the total number of affected employees could be significantly higher, ranging between 12,000 and 15,000.
Also Read: Mass Firing Looms as Standard Chartered Announces 7,800 Jobs Cuts in Major Overhaul
According to the TradingPlatforms report, Meta has also continued its workforce reductions, cutting approximately 10,400 roles in 2026 across multiple rounds.
In an internal memo dated April 23, CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed further reductions, noting that the company was resizing teams while maintaining heavy investment in AI.
The report indicates that around 8,000 additional roles are part of a broader 10% headcount reduction plan beginning in May.
Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg’ s Meta to Lay Off 8,000 Workers in Major AI Shake-Up
Other Companies That Fired Employees
In Europe, several companies have also implemented significant job cuts.
Austria-based ams OSRAM reduced its workforce by about 2,000 employees as part of cost-control measures amid weaker demand in segments of the semiconductor industry.
In Sweden, Ericsson announced roughly 1,900 layoffs tied to ongoing restructuring efforts and slower growth in the global 5G market.
Similarly, Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML cut around 1,700 positions, mainly in administrative and technical roles, as part of internal organizational changes despite continued strong demand for its technology.
In the healthcare technology sector, CoverMyMeds confirmed about 1,500 job losses following a broader restructuring led by its parent company.
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