Meta’s biggest layoffs start May 20 with 8,000 job cuts: Who’s most at risk?

 Meta is cutting close to 8,000 employees on May 20 in the first wave of what could be its biggest round of layoffs ever—surpassing even the 2022–23 “year of efficiency.” A second wave is planned for later in 2026, with details still being finalised. The cuts are tied to Zuckerberg’s massive AI spending push, with roles in sales, recruiting, middle management, and non-AI-adjacent functions considered most at risk. Meta is cutting close to 8,000 employees on May 20 in the first wave of what could be its biggest round of layoffs ever—surpassing even the 2022–23 “year of efficiency.” A second wave is planned for later in 2026, with details still being finalised. The cuts are tied to Zuckerberg’s massive AI spending push, with roles in sales, recruiting, middle management, and non-AI-adjacent functions considered most at risk.