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Layoffs

Sharp employment drop for Black women raises workforce concerns

03/02/2026
Black women lost ground in the labor market at a pace that dwarfed every other demographic group in 2025—and the data make clear that college-educated and public-sector workers absorbed the sharpest blows.

Major WARN Act overhaul may be coming

02/02/2026
Late last year, Congressional Democrats introduced the Fair Warning Act (FWA). If enacted, it would radically overhaul WARN, covering more employers and smaller layoffs.

Why hiring and layoffs can coexist in Q1 2026

02/02/2026
Nine in 10 companies say they plan to hire in 2026, yet six in 10 also expect layoffs, according to new survey data. That tension isn’t a contradiction so much as a signal.

Terminations with tact: How to handle a RIF with compassion

12/01/2025
Sometimes business is booming. Other times, not so much. We appear to be heading into a downturn, and that means you may have to make some hard decisions, including terminations of some long-time employees. Is there a way to do so compassionately? According to lawyers at Littler participating in a recent webinar, the answer is yes.

Job cuts surpass 1 million as employers tighten belts

11/17/2025
The U.S. job market took a sharp turn in October. Employers announced more than 153,000 job cuts—a 175% increase from the same month last year and the highest October total since 2003.

Clear criteria help organizations conduct fair workforce reductions

09/22/2025
When leaders decide a reduction in force is unavoidable, HR plays a central role in ensuring the process is legally sound, fairly applied and handled with respect.

Downsizing DEI? RIFs may backfire

06/12/2025
It may be tempting to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies entirely. But before you do so, consider the potential unintended consequences, especially if you lay off everyone you hired to run the programs. Those sidelined employees who were supposed to help you create a diverse workplace may sue you.

Avoid these 4 layoff lawsuit triggers

05/15/2025
In addition to being gut-wrenching for HR, layoffs are a legal landmine. Here are four layoff errors to avoid.

Contingency plan: Heed these cautions when compiling layoff lists

05/05/2025
Even if you don’t believe you will have to eliminate jobs any time soon, it’s probably a good idea to start formulating preliminary layoff plans now so you can move quickly if the need arises.

Laying off teleworkers? You may have to issue multiple WARN notices

04/07/2025
You may have to comply with state layoff notification laws, often called mini-WARN Acts. And notification requirements might be different in the state where you are based and in the state or states where remote employees work.