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Policy2026-07-09 · source-backed

2026 layoffs hit 185,894 workers, 56% citing AI, but engineering held up best.

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TechCrunch's tracker counts 267 events affecting 185,894 workers, with big cuts at Oracle (~30K) and Meta (~8K). Yet engineering roles are the most resilient, down just 11% against a 25% overall hiring drop, and engineers are 55% of new tech hires. The signal: AI is compressing headcount broadly while keeping demand for the people who orchestrate it. Which is the whole thesis, and also cold comfort if you're in one of the other 44%.

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2026-07-09-2026-layoffs-hit-185-894-workers-56-citing-ai-but-engineering-held-up-best
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source-backed, canonical briefing excerpt