IBM Layoffs 2025: Tech Giant to Cut Around 2,700 Jobs Amid AI Restructuring; Over 1 Lakh Firing in IT Industry

Tech giant IBM announced on Tuesday that it will lay off employees in the fourth quarter of 2025 as part of a broader restructuring aimed at strengthening its focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and high-margin software services. The company stated that the move aligns with its long-term strategy to enhance efficiency, realign resources and accelerate growth in emerging technology sectors.

Tech Layoffs 2025: IBM To Cut Around 2,700 Jobs By Year End 2025

A company spokesperson confirmed the development to CNBC, stating, "In the fourth quarter, we are executing an action that will impact a low single-digit percentage of our global workforce. While this may impact some U.S.-based roles, we anticipate that our U.S. employment will remain flat year over year."

IBM Layoffs 2025 Could Affect Thousands of Employees Globally

IBM reported having around 270,000 employees at the end of 2024, according to its latest annual report. As per CNBC, a 1% reduction in headcount would equate to approximately 2,700 job cuts, though the company has not provided specific figures or details on which departments or regions will be most affected.

The layoffs come as IBM continues to streamline operations and reallocate resources toward growth areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and consulting services. "We routinely review our workforce and at times rebalance accordingly," the company said in an official statement.

IT Layoffs 2025: Amazon, Meta, Google & Others Cut more than 112,000 Employees Jobs

The year 2025 has emerged as one of the most turbulent periods for the global technology workforce, with artificial intelligence (AI) cited as a key driver-if not the primary reason-behind widespread layoffs. From industry leaders like Amazon, Microsoft, and TCS to smaller tech firms, companies have significantly downsized their human workforce, increasingly replacing roles with AI-powered tools and automation systems.

According to industry trackers, more than 112,000 employees have lost their jobs across approximately 218 global tech companies this year. Among the largest layoffs, a leading chipmaker announced plans to cut about 24,000 positions worldwide, marking one of the most substantial workforce reductions in the sector's history.

Similarly, Google implemented multiple rounds of layoffs, including over 100 roles within its cloud division, as it reorganizes operations to focus more heavily on artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloud-based innovation.