US employers announced 43,281 planned job cuts in September, 18% fewer than in August and 20% below September 2025, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The same report counted 90,787 planned hires. That was a sharp increase from August, but still 23% below a year earlier and the lowest September total since 2011.
What it means: Does a drop in planned layoffs mean workers are finding jobs easily? No. Announced cuts are not the same as completed job losses, and fewer layoffs do not prove that employers are hiring freely. The combination suggests a labor market where many employers are holding on to staff while staying cautious about adding more.