In a significant move that underscores the turbulent state of the global semiconductor and tech job market, Intel Corporation has announced plans to lay off 24,000 employees in 2025.
The job cuts — nearly 13% of Intel’s global workforce — are part of the company’s broader restructuring plan aimed at improving operational efficiency and realigning priorities in a rapidly shifting tech landscape.
Sources close to the development suggest that the layoffs will span across departments, including hardware, support, and R&D, with certain roles impacted more heavily in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Why It’s Happening:
Intel has been facing mounting competition from AMD, NVIDIA, and Apple’s in-house chip developments. Despite aggressive investments in AI and next-gen fabrication facilities, the company’s profit margins have shrunk, prompting this large-scale cost-cutting initiative.
“This is one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make,” an internal memo from Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger reportedly read. “But it’s necessary to ensure long-term sustainability and innovation.”
Intel has indicated that the resources saved will be redirected toward:
- Advanced chip design & AI computing
- Expansion of U.S. fab construction (Ohio, Arizona)
- Strategic acquisitions and R&D in high-growth areas
The layoffs are expected to roll out in phases throughout 2025, with severance packages, reskilling opportunities, and job placement support being extended to affected employees.
