US companies attributed 40% of May’s 97,000 job cuts to AI, the highest monthly total since 2020.
US employers announced 97,552 planned job cuts in May, the highest for the month since 2020, with 40% linked to artificial intelligence. The surge reflects growing corporate reliance on AI for roles involving repetitive tasks, though experts note other factors may contribute to layoffs beyond automation.
Job cuts tied to AI this year have already surpassed 2025’s total, reaching 87,714 through May compared to 54,836 last year. Analysts caution that AI’s role in layoffs is often overstated, as companies may use it as a catch-all explanation for broader restructuring efforts.
The report highlights worker anxiety over AI displacement, with surveys showing widespread concern about job security amid rapid technological adoption.