Layoffs announced by U.S. employers in March 2025 have reached their highest level since the pandemic recession, with a total of 275,240 job cuts reported.
This marks a significant 60% increase from February and a staggering 205% rise compared to March 2024.
Key Details:
- Government Sector Impact: The majority of the layoffs—over 216,000—occurred in the federal government, driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a program spearheaded by Elon Musk under President Donald Trump’s administration. These cuts targeted 27 federal agencies.
- Other Sectors: Layoffs also surged in the technology and retail sectors, reflecting broader economic challenges.
- Historical Context: March’s layoffs represent the third-highest monthly total on record, following April and May 2020 during the height of the pandemic.
- Hiring Slowdown: Employers announced plans to hire only 53,867 workers in the first quarter of 2025, the lowest since 2012 and a 16% decrease from the same period last year.
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