AI-Driven Tech Layoffs Surge in 2025-2026: Structural Workforce Reset

Tech industry layoffs reach 126K in 2025-2026, driven by AI and large language models, exceeding 2025 totals. This signals a structural reset where experienced workers are displaced in favor of AI-native talent. The trend directly impacts the future of work and workforce dynamics, with implications for skills, hiring, and job security. New: OpenAI's agent adoption stats show 98% of engineers use agents but only 17% of non-engineers, highlighting a stark adoption gap that may widen workforce divides. Forward-deployed engineers see 2,100% demand surge.