Multiple reliable sources confirm that layoffs in the US rose approximately 39% in August 2025 compared to July, with over 85,000 jobs cut, the highest August total since 2020.
True
Layoffs rose 39% in August from July, with US employers cutting over 85,000 jobs—the most since 2020, according to new data from Challenger.
US Hits Highest Layoffs Since COVID - Newsweek
Source: newsweek.com
At a glance
Verified September 4, 2025Key Evidence
Newsweek reports a 39% rise in layoffs to 85,979 jobs cut in August, highest since 2020.
newsweek.comnewsweek.comAugust Job Cuts Leap in Blow to Trump Economy
The Hill confirms nearly 40% surge with same job cut number and pandemic comparison.
thehill.comthehill.comAugust job cuts highest since pandemic: Report
The Guardian independently verifies the figure of approximately 85,979 job cuts in August.
theguardian.comtheguardian.comUS hiring slows as jobs market loses momentum; UK construction in longest slump...
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
The claim that layoffs rose 39% in August from July, with US employers cutting over 85,000 jobs, the most since 2020, is well supported by several independent and reputable sources. Specifically:
Newsweek reports that U.S.-based employers cut 85,979 jobs in August, marking a 39% increase from July and the highest August figure since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.newsweek.comnewsweek.comAugust Job Cuts Leap in Blow to Trump Economy
The Hill corroborates this data, stating layoffs surged nearly 40% last month with employers eliminating 85,979 positions, the largest August hit since 2020.thehill.comthehill.comAugust job cuts highest since pandemic: Report
The Guardian also confirms the figure of approximately 85,979 job cuts announced by US-based employers in August.theguardian.comtheguardian.comUS hiring slows as jobs market loses momentum; UK construction in longest slump...
Earlier months show lower figures: July layoffs were reported at around 62,075 (Newsweek ) and even lower in previous years' averages (Fortune ). This supports the percentage increase claim.fortune.comfortune.comStunning new data reveals 140% layoff spike in July, with surge in AI and...
newsweek.comnewsweek.comUS Hits Highest Layoffs Since COVID
The data comes from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a well-known outplacement and labor market analytics firm frequently cited for layoff statistics. The consistency across multiple independent news outlets referencing this source strengthens the reliability of the claim.
While other sources discuss broader labor market trends such as job openings and hiring slowdowns (AP News ), they do not contradict the layoff figures but rather provide context for a cooling labor market.apnews.comapnews.comUS job openings slip in July, adding to evidence that the American labor market...
Overall, the evidence strongly supports the input statement as accurate and timely for August 2025.
Primary trail
Verified Sources7
Open source