The week in global HR
This week's key developments centre on two interconnected forces reshaping global talent markets. First, mass tech layoffs continue at scale—nearly 196,000 positions globally in 2026 reflect AI-driven restructuring, while major firms like American Express and HSBC choose automation over training. Second, US immigration policy tightens significantly: USCIS suspended eight tech firms from PERM certification, scrapped automatic work permits for H-4 spouses, and adjusted H-1B filing rules, creating substantial uncertainty for Indian IT workers. Beyond the US, Saudi Arabia's new SAR 5,000 minimum wage and King Salman's allowance increase signal regional wage pressure. The trend to watch: whether immigration restrictions will accelerate overseas tech centre development, countering rather than controlling cross-border talent flows.
- HR events
- 312
- Countries
- 50
- Funding & M&A
- 4
- Rule changes
- 40
Top stories
- 01Global·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.
- 02Europe·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.
- 03Global·News
Over 135,000 Tech Workers Laid Off in 2026 Amid AI-Driven Restructuring
Over 135,000 tech workers were laid off globally in 2026 through October across 330+ companies including Amazon, Oracle, Meta, and Microsoft. UPS planned up to 30,000 operational job cuts; Oracle reduced 21,000 with up to 30,000 restructuring impact; Amazon cut 16,000 enterprise positions in January.
- 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.
- 05United States·Policy & Law
USCIS Begins Approving H-1B Petitions Filed Without $100,000 Fee
USCIS began approving H-1B petitions filed without the $100,000 supplemental fee required by Trump administration, which had exceeded expedited processing timelines. The fee was established September 2025 and extended to September 21, 2027; a June 2026 Massachusetts federal court ruled against it, with the government appealing.
- 06Europe·Policy & Law
UK to strengthen tribunal protections against unfair dismissal for pregnant women from 2027
The UK government confirmed that from 2027, employment tribunals will take a stricter approach to unfair dismissal cases involving pregnant women and new parents, a key pillar of the Employment Rights Act and the Make Work Pay agenda. The reform removes the two-year qualifying period, making protection against pregnancy and maternity discrimination a day-one right for all employees.
- 07Europe·Policy & Law
Tesco loses final bid to block major equal pay decision
UK retailer Tesco has lost its final attempt to block a major equal pay ruling. Details of the underlying case, including compensation figures, were not provided in the report.
- 08Middle 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.
- 09Middle East & Africa·Policy & Law
King Salman Orders SR500 Allowance Increase, Raises Minimum Wage
King Salman ordered a SR500 allowance increase and raised the minimum wage for Saudi citizens.
- 10Asia-Pacific·Funding
Singapore HR Tech Firm BIPO Secures US$50M Investment from Apis Partners for Global Expansion
Singapore HR tech firm BIPO secured $50 million investment from Apis Partners for global expansion of its payroll and HR technology platform, strengthening AI, product development, and R&D capabilities to address cross-border payroll cycles, compliance, and multi-country team management.
Coming into force
Next 30 daysFunding & M&A
| Company | Round | Amount | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIPO | — | $50m | Apis Partners |
| Fuzu | — | $3.9m | — |
| M&A Ardian-backed HR Path Acquires AI Governance and Compliance Startup SnapAI | |||
| M&A Battery Ventures' ORTEC Acquires TOBA HR Solutions | |||