Challenger Hiring Plans Reach 90,787, but Holiday Surge Falls Short
U.S. employers announced plans to hire 90,787 workers in September 2026, but that seasonal surge was 23% smaller than a year earlier. Challenger, Gray & Christmas also counted 43,281 announced job cuts, down 18% from August and 20% from September 2025. The two measures describe a labor market still hiring, but with less holiday staffing momentum and no broad wave of layoff plans.
Key Takeaways Employers announced 90,787 hires in September 2026, down 23% from September 2025. September 2026 layoff plans totaled 43,281, down 18% from August and 20% year over year. Retail accounted for 65,150 of September 2026 hiring plans, while technology led announced cuts at 10,799. Challenger's announcements…
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