Over 30,000 tech jobs have been cut globally in the first six weeks of 2026, with 80% in tech companies. Baker McKenzie is slashing up to 1,000 jobs as part of AI integration efforts. The pattern is clear: companies are prioritizing costly AI investments over headcount. The AI hype is catalyzing layoffs as organizations redirect budgets from people to infrastructure and model development.
Tech Layoffs Hit 30,000+ in First Six Weeks of 2026
February 13, 2026
Over 30,000 tech jobs have been cut globally in the first six weeks of 2026, with 80% in tech companies. Baker McKenzie is slashing up to 1,000 jobs as part of AI integration efforts. The pattern is clear: companies are prioritizing costly AI investments over headcount. The AI hype is catalyzing layoffs as organizations redirect budgets from people to infrastructure and model development.