IBM Layoffs in Europe
IBM's union reported widespread layoffs across Europe on March 5, 2026, with confirmed job cuts in the Netherlands and Belgium, and alleged plans for 200 layoffs in Italy. As of March 5, 2026, employees are reportedly being pushed into early retirement or facing 'saving resignations' as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures. IBM Belgium plans to cut 57 jobs, over 10% of its workforce, by January 27, 2026, aiming for an additional $1 billion in free cash flow for 2026. These actions follow previous layoffs, including approximately 8,000 employees in May 2025, predominantly from its Human Resources division due to AI automation.
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Track this story2026
4 updates
2026
4 updatesIBM's union has reported widespread layoffs across Europe, with confirmed job cuts in the Netherlands and Belgium, and alleged plans for 200 layoffs in Italy. This follows previous indications of mass layoffs and disinvestment from Europe. Some employees are reportedly pushed into early retirement or face-saving resignations.
IBM aims to achieve an additional $1 billion in free cash flow for 2026 through cost-cutting measures, which are reportedly driving the current mass layoffs.
via techrights.org
IBM Belgium is planning to cut 57 jobs, which represents over 10% of its workforce, as part of a new "transformation plan" aimed at boosting productivity and controlling costs. The company cites the need to remain competitive in the hybrid cloud and AI sectors and plans to relocate some operations.
Similar workforce reductions are expected soon in the US, potentially without severance packages, following recent layoffs in the EU.
via techrights.org
2025
2 updates
2025
2 updatesIBM announced further layoff plans for Q4 2025, impacting a 'low single-digit percentage' of its global workforce, continuing its strategy of AI-driven restructuring and workforce rebalancing.
IBM laid off approximately 8,000 employees, predominantly from its Human Resources division, citing automation and the implementation of its AskHR AI platform as key drivers for these reductions.
2024
2 updates
2024
2 updatesReports surfaced of quiet, large-scale layoffs primarily affecting the IBM Cloud division, with employees reportedly required to sign non-disclosure agreements.
IBM announced layoffs within its marketing and communications division, following earlier statements from CEO Arvind Krishna about the company's plan to replace 8,000 jobs with AI.
2020
2 updates
2020
2 updatesIBM revealed plans to cut nearly a fifth of its workforce in Belgium, amounting to 206 people, as part of a broader restructuring plan and ahead of the company's announced split.
Under new CEO Arvind Krishna, IBM announced unspecified global job cuts, with reports suggesting thousands of employees were impacted, particularly within its Global Technology Services (GTS) and Watson AI units.
2016
1 update
2016
1 updateIBM continued global layoffs, with reports indicating up to 14,000 job cuts for the year, affecting even growth areas like Watson and analytics, signifying ongoing company-wide restructuring.
2014
Story began · 12 years, 3 mo ago