Private-sector layoffs decrease by 1% in first quarter

3 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 27

Challenger, Gray & Christmas reports that private-sector layoffs in Q1 2026 dropped just 1% from the previous quarter.
The overall layoff figure fell more sharply, over 50% year-on-year, mainly due to a surge in federal-worker job cuts at the start of 2025.
This modest decline in private-sector layoffs contrasts with the significant federal job losses that heavily influenced total layoff statistics for the period.

Why did the 2025 federal job cuts cost taxpayers $135 billion instead of creating savings?

Did the mass exodus from federal jobs create a lasting crisis in public sector morale?

With layoffs soaring in 2026, was the 'low-fire' job market of 2025 a temporary illusion?

If AI wasn't a major layoff driver in early 2025, why is it a key factor now?

How did the loss of 238,000 federal workers impact crucial public services for citizens?

Was the short-lived government efficiency department, DOGE, actually successful before it was dissolved?