U.S. Layoffs Slowing Yet Persist Amid Economic Shifts

Layoffs across the United States appear to be slowing as June approaches, according to the latest Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filings. While labor market uncertainty continues, several companies have announced layoffs for June, following a surge in job cuts in 2025. This indicates a broader economic transition, experts explain.

Shift in Economic Priorities

Companies are becoming leaner and more selective, influenced by automation and AI reshaping hiring needs. The economy is gravitating toward essential services such as healthcare and infrastructure, and away from some corporate and retail roles.

Companies Announcing Layoffs for June 2026

Based on the latest WARN filings, companies confirmed to conduct layoffs in June 2026 include:

• Alliance
• Boys & Girls Club of the LA Harbor
• Community Healthlink
• FM Restaurants
• MarketSource
• Ryder
• Accel
• Gilead Sciences
• Battelle
• Wells Fargo
• Five Guys
• FreshRealm
• City National Bank
• Apple
• Joe’s Crab Shack
• PNC Bank

Trends in Layoffs

According to LayoffAlert.Org, layoffs have slightly slowed since 2025. However, the possibility of additional layoffs in the second half of the year remains high.

June 2026 Data Insights

The June layoffs show a relative slowdown in WARN notices, suggesting a cooling trend after a turbulent 2025. The labor market is stabilizing, though not necessarily strengthening.

“You are seeing pressure across multiple sectors. Industries exposed to tariffs, transportation costs, and weaker consumer demand have felt it the most,” explained Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group.

Thompson identified technology, manufacturing, transportation, and consumer discretionary sectors as among those experiencing layoffs.

Industries Most Affected

Data from the Challenger, Gray & Christmas firm indicates the hardest-hit industries during 2025–2026:

• Government: Largest cuts in 2025, with 300,000 jobs lost
• Technology: Restructuring and AI-related cuts
• Retail: Store closures and consumer behavior shifts
• Warehousing/logistics: Automation replacing roles
• Professional services: Reduced white-collar hiring

Conversely, healthcare remains a strong hiring sector.

“While AI has been blamed for most layoffs, the reality is complex,” stated Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor. “AI integration may explain layoffs in technology, but not in retail and transportation. Consumers are financially exhausted, cutting spending on clothing and dining out.”

Presidential Administration Comparison

Under former President Joe Biden’s administration, there was strong post-pandemic hiring and low unemployment rates. In contrast, during President Donald Trump’s current term, layoffs surged by 58% in 2025, totaling 1.2 million job cuts. This rise was due to reductions in government workforce led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) before its closure, as well as corporate restructuring and technological advances.

Michael Ryan, a finance expert, noted that, “The WARN filings tell a real story of many small cuts quietly accumulating at lesser-known companies. AI is replacing roles faster than new ones are created.”

Job Market Complexity

The current job market is described as a “low-hire, low-fire” scenario. While hiring is slowing, layoffs aren’t drastically increasing. Yet, job postings dropped, as shown by The Washington Post’s Job Postings Index (JPI), which decreased from 10% above pre-pandemic levels at the start of 2025.

Areas of Job Growth

• Healthcare
• Skilled trades
• Engineering and specialized roles

Sectors Facing Challenges

• Technology
• Media
• Corporate/white-collar jobs

“Finding quality jobs is increasingly difficult,” shared Thompson. “Applicants undergo multiple interviews with fewer callbacks, some taking 6 to 9 months for comparable employment, pressuring savings, credit, and retirement.”

Future Economic Prospects

Recent data indicates the U.S. economy is transitioning, with companies focusing on cost-cutting and selective hiring. Workers tend to stay in their existing roles to avoid pay cuts or lower compensation for new positions.

Thompson emphasized maintaining a strong emergency fund to avoid desperation decisions during such periods.

Layoff Response Strategies

Experts advise those facing layoffs to seek roles in high-demand sectors like healthcare, skilled trades, and logistics. Upskilling and certifications can aid reentry into the workforce, while employees should apply for unemployment benefits promptly.

Networking and referrals remain crucial in slow-hiring industries. Beene noted, “Retraining for a new line of work may be time-consuming and costly. Many states offer short-term training programs that facilitate quick entry into in-need occupations, which might be optimal if your field has bleak prospects.”

Outlook on Workforce Cuts

The trend of workforce cuts is likely to persist but may experience delays. Many layoffs announced in April and May will occur in late June, July, and August, suggesting a temporary lull rather than a significant turning point.

“Workers who recover quickly act before conditions worsen,” Ryan highlighted. “They don’t wait to see the extent of the downturn.”