8 things to know in global HR today
Tech sector faces dual pressures: major employers like Barclays cut thousands of jobs while implementing AI, and layoffs globally exceed 196,000 in 2026. Meanwhile, US immigration policy shifts create uncertainty for Indian IT workers as authorities suspend certifications, though H-1B fee changes offer modest relief. Automation and geopolitics are reshaping global talent markets.
- 01Europe·News
Barclays to Cut 5,000 Jobs, Expands AI Adoption for Efficiency
Barclays announced 5,000 job cuts (5% of global workforce) as part of organizational simplification and technology-driven efficiency plans. The cuts follow prior reductions of 1,000 positions, with 4,000 more expected by end-2026; 60% affect support functions including software developers, concentrated in UK retail banking.
- 02Global·News
Nearly 196,000 Tech Employees Laid Off Globally in 2026
Global tech layoffs reached nearly 196,000 in 2026, peaking at 29,000 in May. Intel cut 15,000 jobs (15% of workforce) as part of $10 billion cost reduction; Cisco shed over 4,000 (5%); Oracle reduced headcount by 21,000 due to AI infrastructure expansion costs.
- 03United States·Policy & Law
Trump administration moves to end H-1B extension protections, finalizes work permit renewal restrictions
The Trump administration, through DHS and USCIS, is proposing to eliminate a rule requiring officers to generally defer to prior approvals when reviewing extension petitions for employment-based visas including H-1B and L-1, and has finalized a separate rule ending automatic work permit extensions for certain foreign nationals including H-1B spouses. Both measures were made available for public inspection Tuesday and are set for Federal Register publication Wednesday, with significant expected impact on Indian nationals who make up the majority of H-1B holders and H-4 work-authorized spouses.
- 04United States·Policy & Law
US Suspends 8 Tech Firms from PERM Labor Certification, Indian IT Workers Face Visa Uncertainty
On October 8, 2026, the US suspended eight firms—Microsoft, Adobe, TCS, Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, Capgemini, and Cognizant—from PERM permanent labor certification, affecting their H-1B workers' green card pathways. Impacted employees receive eight-month grace periods after H-1B expiration; some roles may transfer to India.
- 05Europe·News
Volkswagen plans to cut 12,000 more jobs by 2030, proposes transfer company scheme
According to media reports, Volkswagen's management plans to cut a further 12,000 jobs at its core brand by 2030, proposing that employees could voluntarily move into a state-subsidized transfer company (Transfergesellschaft) for retraining, during which they would no longer be VW employees. The plan, communicated by negotiator Arne Meiswinkel to the works council, is strongly opposed by works council chair Daniela Cavallo and union IG Metall, which is preparing labor disputes and possible strikes after year-end. An earlier report on October 19 said VW planned a multi-year pay freeze for its 600,000+ global employees through 2030.
- 06Europe·News
Volvo Cars to cut additional 2,500 jobs amid China, US sales slump
On Oct 23, 2026, Volvo Cars announced an additional 2,500 job cuts, about 6% of its workforce, as it reported a Q3 2026 operating loss of SEK5.5 billion. Sales fell 23% year-on-year to SEK66.8 billion, with China sales down 41% and global sales down 11%. CEO Hakan Samuelsson said the old strategy of developing in Europe and selling premium cars in China no longer works.
- 07Middle East & Africa·Policy & Law
Saudi Arabia Sets Minimum Salary at SAR 5,000 for Private-Sector Saudi Employees
Saudi Arabia set the private-sector minimum wage for Saudi employees at SAR 5,000.
- 08Europe·Policy & Law
MEPs visit Amazon warehouses in Germany and Poland over worker surveillance, algorithmic management
A delegation of Members of the European Parliament is visiting Amazon logistics centres in Germany and Poland on October 26-27 to investigate workplace monitoring, productivity targets and trade union rights. The fact-finding mission comes as the European Commission prepares its Quality Jobs Act, expected to address algorithmic management and working conditions.
Picked by importance across regions (at most two per country), from the day and the day before (US Eastern time). Every brief links to the original reporting.