US January Challenger layoffs 108.435k vs 35.553k prior

US-based employers announced 108,435 job cuts in January 2026, and that is up ~118% compared to the same month last year. Similar to how 2025 reflected a trend of softening labour market conditions and increasing layoffs, expect more of the same in 2026. That especially with the tech sector also likely to come under pressure to deliver on results and the continued AI evolution.