Meta Plans Fresh Job Cuts, Freezes Hiring As AI Spend Rises; What We Know So Far

Meta Platforms is preparing to cut around 8,000 jobs—roughly 10% of its workforce—with layoffs expected to begin on May 20, according to internal memos cited by Bloomberg, CNBC and the Los Angeles Times. The company also plans to halt hiring for about 6,000 open roles, signalling a broader reset in workforce strategy.

The move comes as the parent of Facebook and Instagram sharply increases its investments in artificial intelligence, raising a key question for the tech sector: can companies sustain aggressive AI spending while operating with leaner teams?

Workforce Reset Across Big Tech

The planned layoffs highlight a wider shift underway across major technology firms. After years of rapid hiring, companies are now focusing on cost discipline while

redirecting capital toward AI infrastructure, data centres and automation. Meta’s decision underscores how the industry is restructuring to prioritise future-facing technologies over headcount expansion.

What Happened

Employees were informed through an internal memo on Thursday that job cuts would begin from May 20. The same communication confirmed that approximately 6,000 open roles would no longer be filled. Bloomberg first reported details of the memo, with other media outlets subsequently confirming the development.

Janelle Gale, Meta’s chief people officer, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision in the memo, stating that the move would impact employees who had made meaningful contributions to the company. She added that while the announcement may create uncertainty, the leadership believes it is the most appropriate course of action under current circumstances.

Why Now

Meta has linked the layoffs to its push for greater efficiency and the need to fund strategic investments, particularly in artificial intelligence. Reports suggest the company is ramping up spending on AI infrastructure, products and talent, even as it trims its workforce.

According to Reuters, Meta had earlier explored the possibility of deeper cuts affecting 20% or more of its staff, though no final number was confirmed at the time. The company had described those reports as speculative. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also indicated that advances in AI are changing how work is executed, with some tasks now requiring fewer employees.

Past Layoffs

This is not Meta’s first round of job cuts. The company eliminated more than 20,000 roles across 2022 and 2023 during what it termed its “year of efficiency.” It followed this with performance-based reductions of about 3,600 jobs last year and additional cuts of over 1,000 roles earlier this year within its Reality Labs division.

As of December 31, Meta employed approximately 78,865 people globally, according to its latest annual report cited by CNBC.

What Comes Next

Meta is set to announce its first-quarter earnings next week, alongside peers like Alphabet Inc., Amazon and Microsoft. Investors are expected to closely track updates on capital allocation, hiring trends and the scale of AI investments.

The broader takeaway is becoming increasingly clear: in 2026, even strong revenue growth may not be enough to safeguard jobs if companies believe artificial intelligence can drive higher productivity with fewer employees.