Tech industry lays off nearly 80,000 employees in the first quarter of 2026 — almost 50% of affected positions cut due to AI

Nearly 80,000 tech industry workers were laid off in the first quarter of 2026, with almost half of the cuts attributed to AI and automation. Despite warnings from industry leaders about AI-driven job losses, some experts argue that layoffs are sometimes blamed on AI as an excuse for poor business performance. Companies like IBM are increasing entry-level hiring, emphasizing the need for a human touch alongside AI. While AI technologies are advancing, some companies are focusing on training staff in AI tools rather than laying them off.