Samwise High Tech Recruiting Newsletter
Friday, October 2, 2026
Tech Job Cuts Jump 77% in September Even as Overall Layoffs Fall, Challenger Says
Technology companies announced 10,799 job cuts in September, up 77% from 6,103 in August, according to a report released Thursday by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The sector has announced 165,925 cuts so far in 2026, up 54% from the same period last year, and accounts for 29% of all job cuts announced this year, more than any other industry. The tech increase came as overall U.S. layoff plans fell 18% to 43,281, the lowest September total since 2022. Artificial intelligence was cited for 3,961 cuts in September and 120,136 so far this year, making it the leading reason for job cuts year-to-date.
Sources: Challenger, Gray & Christmas
California Bans AI-Only Firings and Requires Disclosure of AI-Driven Mass Layoffs
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed the No Robo Bosses Act of 2026, which bars employers from relying solely on AI-powered automated decision systems to fire or discipline workers and requires a human reviewer to corroborate such decisions, Gizmodo reported. Newsom also signed SB 951, which requires employers to disclose in writing when artificial intelligence or other automation causes a mass layoff, according to law firm Fisher Phillips. Covered layoff notices must open with the statement “This notice is for a technology displacement” and list the affected jobs, the job functions being automated and the type of technology involved. SB 951 takes effect January 1, 2027.
Sources: Gizmodo, Fisher Phillips
Disney Cuts 300 HR and Tech Jobs as Walden Warns More Hollywood Layoffs Are Coming
The Walt Disney Company laid off 300 employees in its HR and technology divisions this week, TheWrap reported, adding to more than 10,000 job cuts at the company since 2022. Speaking Thursday at Bloomberg’s Screentime conference, Disney Entertainment President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden called the cuts “extremely painful” and described the latest round as a voluntary retirement program. “Technology set their sights on our business, and we must survive and thrive and grow,” she said. TheWrap noted that Bloomberg has reported HR jobs have fallen 18% since ChatGPT launched in 2022. Walden said she expects layoffs to continue across Hollywood in the years to come.
Tech Ranks Second in 2026 Hiring Plans as September Announcements Hit Lowest Level Since 2011
Technology companies have announced plans to hire 22,361 workers so far in 2026, second only to retail’s 66,557 and just ahead of aerospace and defense at 21,841, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Across all industries, employers announced plans to hire 90,787 workers in September, up from 12,325 in August but down 23% from September 2025 and the lowest September total since 2011. Year-to-date hiring plans stand at 210,612, up 3% from the same period last year. “Companies are in a wait-and-see period right now,” said Andy Challenger, the firm’s chief revenue officer, who said the muted seasonal hiring suggests “a very cautious approach.”
Sources: Challenger, Gray & Christmas
White-Collar Sectors Shed Jobs Heading Into October Despite Gains Elsewhere
Layoffs continue to ripple through many industries heading into October even as the overall U.S. labor market keeps adding jobs, Newsweek reported Thursday. ADP data showed private employers added 90,000 jobs in September, driven largely by health care, education and hospitality, while white-collar sectors lost jobs: financial activities shed 16,000 and professional and business services lost 11,000. More than 317,000 workers have been affected by 3,651 WARN notices filed across 44 reporting states this year, according to LayoffAlert.org figures cited by Newsweek. The magazine said many higher-paying corporate, tech and finance positions have become harder to find, and that many layoffs announced for October fall in traditionally high-paying white-collar industries.
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency