US Job Cuts Jump in January; Highest for the Month Since 2009
According to the Challenger, Gray & Christmas (CG&C) Job Cut Announcement Report released on Thursday, US-based employers announced 108,435 job cuts in January, a 205% increase from December’s 35,553 cuts. Year-over-year, announced cuts were up 118% from 49,795 in January 2025.
CG&C said January’s total was the highest for the month since 2009, when 241,749 job cuts were announced. It was also the highest monthly total since October’s 153,074.
CG&C noted that job cuts in January were widespread, with notable reductions in transportation (31,242), technology (22,291), healthcare/products (17,107), chemicals (4,701), and media and news (510).
Hiring Plans
Employers announced plans to add 5,306 jobs in January, the lowest total for the month since CG&C began tracking hiring plans in 2009.
That figure was down 13% from January last year and down 49% from the 10,496 hiring plans announced in December.
FEA compiles the Wood Markets News from various 3rd party sources to provide readers with the latest news impacting forest product markets. Opinions or views expressed in these articles do not necessarily represent those of FEA.