As the US economy grapples with rising costs, global trade uncertainties, and technological shifts, August 2025 has witnessed a surge in layoffs across multiple sectors. Reports indicate that 114 companies have announced workforce reductions this month, affecting thousands of employees nationwide. This SEO-optimized article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the layoffs in August 2025, detailing impacted companies, industries, and underlying causes. Stay updated on the latest job market trends with ClickUSANews.

August 2025 Layoff Landscape

The US job market in August 2025 is under pressure, with 114 companies filing layoff notices, up from 95 in July, according to Newsweek. These cuts span technology, retail, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and logistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported only 73,000 jobs added in July, below expectations, signaling a cooling labor market amid rising unemployment and economic challenges like tariffs and inflation.

Drivers of August 2025 Layoffs

Key factors fueling these layoffs include:

• Tariff and Trade Uncertainty: The expiration of a 90-day tariff pause on China, effective August 12, 2025, is prompting companies to scale back operations.
• AI and Automation Surge: Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are displacing roles, particularly in tech, as companies pivot to automated systems.
• Cost Reduction Strategies: Firms are cutting jobs to boost profitability amid declining revenues and rising operational expenses.
• Global Economic Pressures: Fluctuating demand and commodity prices are impacting sectors like manufacturing and agriculture.

Detailed List of Companies Announcing Layoffs in August 2025

Below is a comprehensive list of companies announcing layoffs in August 2025, compiled from sources like Intellizence and WARNTracker.com.

1. Microsoft

• Layoffs: ~40 employees in Washington state, part of over 15,000 global cuts since May 2025.
• Details: Microsoft is reducing management layers to enhance efficiency, impacting teams like Xbox gaming, sales, and legal.
• Location: Washington state and global operations.
• Reason: Focus on AI investments and organizational streamlining.

2. Intel

• Layoffs: 24,000 employees globally by year-end, including 2,400 in Oregon, 1,935 in California, and 700 in Arizona.
• Details: Intel’s major restructuring aims to shrink its workforce from 99,500 to 75,000, with 20% of its foundry division cut and some marketing outsourced.
• Location: US (Oregon, California, Arizona) and global.
• Reason: Cost-cutting and response to declining demand.

3. Morrisons

• Layoffs: 3,600 employees.
• Details: The UK supermarket chain closed 17 stores, reflecting retail sector struggles also seen in the US.
• Location: Primarily UK, with global retail implications.
• Reason: Store closures for operational efficiency.

4. Lido

• Layoffs: 15% of staff.
• Details: The crypto staking platform reduced its workforce to focus operations in a recovering crypto market.
• Location: Global.
• Reason: Strategic realignment for efficiency.

5. Amazon

• Layoffs: 110 employees in the Wondery podcast division.
• Details: Amazon is reorganizing its audio business to cut costs.
• Location: US.
• Reason: Profitability-focused restructuring.

6. Maine Health System

• Layoffs: Unspecified, tied to pre-acquisition restructuring.
• Details: Layoffs announced to streamline operations before an acquisition.
• Location: Maine, US.
• Reason: Pre-acquisition cost-cutting.

7. Duke University

• Layoffs: ~600 staff members.
• Details: A voluntary separation program is underway, with involuntary layoffs starting in August, reshaping university operations.
• Location: North Carolina, US.
• Reason: Financial restructuring.

8. Nextdoor

• Layoffs: 67 employees (12% of staff).
• Details: The social networking platform is cutting jobs to reduce operating expenses by ~$30 million.
• Location: US.
• Reason: Drive toward profitability.

9. Bayer

• Layoffs: Additional cuts expected after 2,000 in Q1 2025.
• Details: Bayer’s ongoing restructuring, started in July 2023, targets management roles, with 11,000 jobs already cut.
• Location: Global, including US.
• Reason: Leaner operations for resource allocation.

10. Eikon Therapeutics

• Layoffs: Up to 64 employees (15% of workforce).
• Details: The biotech firm is reducing staff to enhance operational focus.
• Location: New York, New Jersey, California, US.
• Reason: Economic pressures and efficiency.

11. Iovance Biotherapeutics

• Layoffs: <20% of employees.
• Details: Strategic restructuring to extend financial runway, affecting employees and contractors.
• Location: US.
• Reason: Cost-saving for financial stability.

12. Georgia-Pacific

• Layoffs: 501–1,000 employees.
• Details: Manufacturing sector cuts amid economic challenges.
• Location: US.
• Reason: Cost reduction and tariff uncertainty.

13. Pixelle Specialty Solutions

• Layoffs: 501–1,000 employees.
• Details: The specialty paper manufacturer is reducing jobs to address industry pressures.
• Location: US.
• Reason: Economic challenges and streamlining.

Sector-Specific Layoff Trends in August 2025

Technology

Tech layoffs are significant, with TrueUp reporting 96,861 job cuts across 413 companies in 2025. Giants like Intel, Microsoft, and Amazon are prioritizing AI and automation, displacing roles in software, product development, and support.

Retail

Retail faces challenges from store closures and changing consumer habits. Morrisons’ 17 store closures and Wells Fargo’s reduction of ~400 Oregon jobs since 2023 reflect broader retail consolidation.

Healthcare and Biotech

Healthcare and biotech firms like Maine Health System, Bayer, and Iovance are cutting jobs to streamline operations. Biotech layoffs rose 3% in 2024, a trend continuing into 2025.

Manufacturing and Logistics

Manufacturing companies like Georgia-Pacific and Pixelle are reducing workforces due to rising costs and tariff uncertainties, while logistics adjusts to global supply chain shifts.

Economic Context and Outlook

August 2025 layoffs are driven by:

• Tariffs: The China tariff pause ending August 12, 2025, may reduce sales and trigger economic slowdown, as noted by economist Daniel Alpert.
• AI Impact: The World Economic Forum predicts 41% of companies will cut jobs due to AI over the next five years.
• Weak Job Growth: July’s 73,000 job additions signal a cooling market.

Layoffs may persist into late 2025, particularly in tech and retail, unless funding or market conditions improve. However, AI and sustainability sectors may offer new job opportunities.

How to Monitor Employer Layoff Plans

Check WARNTracker.com for Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices. The federal WARN Act mandates 60 days’ notice for mass layoffs (50+ workers) at companies with 100+ employees. Some states have stricter “mini-WARN” laws.

Conclusion

The August 2025 layoffs underscore the challenges facing the US job market, driven by tariffs, AI adoption, and cost-cutting. With 114 companies announcing cuts, workers face uncertainty across sectors. For the latest job market insights, visit ClickUSANews.

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