US Layoffs Top 275,000 in March, Driven by Government Job Cuts: Report

Automakers, retailers, and technology companies also shed payrolls.

People stand outside in support of USAID employees leaving the building in Washington on Feb. 27, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Layoffs announced by U.S.-based employers soared in March to the highest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with government job cuts accounting for most of the headcount reduction.

According to a new report from global recruitment firm Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, U.S.-based employers announced 275,240 layoffs in March, the highest number since May 2020, when job cuts soared by more than 397,016.