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In the first quarter of 2025, the U.S. workforce experienced significant disruptions. It was driven by federal layoffs, corporate restructuring, cost-cutting measures, economic pressures and financial distress across various sectors. Federal agencies drove over half of all layoffs this quarter, with over 1,50,000 job cuts reported in the months of February and March.
Here is an overview of the biggest layoffs of different companies in the month of September
1. Ford
No. of Employees to be Laid off: 1000
Industry: Automobile
September 2025
Ford plans to cut off 1,000 jobs at its electric car plant in Cologne, Germany. The decision comes as the company adjusts production levels. It aligns with the decline in the demand for electric vehicles in the European market. The job cuts mark a significant setback for Ford’s EV strategy in the region. It was in this region that the Cologne plant was positioned as a key hub for its electrification push.
2. BHP
No. of Employees to be Laid off: 750
Industry: Mining
September 2025
BHP, the world’s largest mining company, has announced that it will shut down one of its coal mines in Australia. It has resulted in the loss of 750 jobs. The closure reflects the company’s broader strategy. The strategy is to shift from coal to more sustainable resource operations. The transition highlights the challenges faced by coal in a shifting energy landscape. It has also had a significant impact on workers and local communities.
3. Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA)
No. of Employees to be Laid off: 680
Industry: Consumer Goods
September 2025
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has announced plans to cut around 680 jobs. It has decided to close some of its plants across the country. This restructuring comes amidst challenging market conditions. A considerable effort has been taken to streamline operations. The decision will significantly impact the company’s workforce. It highlights the pressures faced by South Africa’s beverage industry.
4. Sky Group
No. of Employees to be Laid off: 600
Industry: Technology, Telecommunication
September 2025
Sky plans to cut around 600 jobs in the UK. This is done as a part to restructure its technology division. The move follows the launch of new streaming platforms, with the company. It has simplified its operations to adapt to the changing viewer habits and digital consumption trends. The layoff has a significant impact on Sky. It continues to focus on efficiency and competitiveness in the fast-evolving media and entertainment sector.
5. Novo Nordisk
No. of Employees to be Laid off: 9,000
Industry: Pharmaceutical
September 2025
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk plans to cut around 9,000 roles, or roughly 11.5% of its global workforce. The restructuring, including the largest layoff in Denmark’s history, is expected to save 8 billion Danish crowns ($1.25 billion) annually and comes as Novo Nordisk battles to revive its fortunes under a new CEO after losing its lead to Eli Lilly in the obesity and diabetes markets.
6. ANZ
No. of Employees to be Laid off: 3,500
Industry: Banking
September 2025
ANZ Group’s new CEO, Nuno Matos, warned of more changes to come at the Australian lender after the announcement of 3,500 job cuts on Tuesday, but said the decisions would safeguard its future growth. The bank said it would take a A$560 million ($369 million) restructuring charge, following one of the largest rounds of job cuts in the sector in recent years.
7. B&Q
No. of Employees to be Laid off: 650
Industry: Retail
September 2025
B&Q is set to slash over 650 jobs as it seeks to “simplify” its retail structure. B&Q is consulting with workers affected by the cuts and is set to offer alternative roles or support packages to staff who cannot be accommodated in a new position.
8. Welsh Water
No. of Employees to be Laid off: 650
Industry: Not-for-Profit
September 2025
Welsh Water, the not-for-profit organization, plans to cut about 500 jobs over the next two years.
9. ConocoPhillips
No. of Employees to be Laid off: 3,000
Industry: Energy & Utilities
September 2025
Houston-based oil giant ConocoPhillips plans to lay off up to 25% of its global workforce, potentially impacting 2,600 to 3,250 employees and contractors, as part of a sweeping restructuring aimed at cutting costs. The company, which employs approximately 13,000 people worldwide, anticipates that most of the reductions will be implemented by the end of 2025.
10. Lloyds Bank
No. of Employees to be Laid off: 3,000
Industry: Banking & Financial Services
September 2025
Lloyds Bank is planning a major overhaul of its operations that could put five percent of its workers on the chopping block. The bank is to axe as many as 3,000 jobs as part of a sweeping performance overhaul aimed at cutting costs and driving profitability.
Here’s a table summarizing some of the biggest layoff announcements in September 2025, by company, industry, scale, and reasons. Note that exact numbers are sometimes estimates, and not all layoffs are complete.
| Company / Organization | Industry / Sector | Number of Employees Affected / Scale | Main Reason(s) Cited |
| Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) | IT / Consulting | ~ 12,000 mid- & senior-level employees | Restructuring toward a “future-ready organization”; reducing unbilled bench time; cost pressures in global IT sector. |
| Arsenal Biosciences | Biotech / Cell Therapy | ~ 100 people (≈50% of workforce) | Shift from early-stage research toward clinical trials; extend cash runway amid reduced funding. |
| Starbucks | Retail / Food & Beverage | ~ 900 corporate roles; plus store closures (hundreds) | To reduce costs; focus more on in-store performance; barista training; café renovations; corporate streamlining. |
| ConocoPhillips | Oil / Energy | Up to 3,250 employees and contractors (≈25% of its workforce) | Volatile oil prices; need to streamline operations despite regulatory/trade pressures |
| Toyota (Brazil factories) | Automotive / Manufacturing | 3,709 eligible workers under temporary layoff plan | Storm damage to facilities; supply disruptions; preserving incomes; temporary shutdowns |
| Head Digital Works (India) | Tech / Online Gaming | ~ 500 employees (~71% of workforce) | Regulatory change (new law banning real-money gaming) forcing business adjustment. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which industries were most affected by layoffs in September 2025?
2. What were the largest layoffs announced?
3. Why are so many companies laying off employees now?
4. Which regions were most impacted by September layoffs?
