Hiring Outlook Improves as Layoffs Decline in January

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The biopharma industry saw a significant decline in layoffs in January 2026 compared to the same period a year earlier, with just 463 job cuts reported compared to over 1,300 in January 2025. However, the job market remains highly competitive, with most employed and unemployed professionals actively seeking new roles this year.

Why it matters

The drop in layoffs is a potentially positive sign for the overall job market, as the biopharma industry is often seen as an indicator for broader economic trends. While competition for open positions remains fierce, the reduced number of layoffs could signal improved hiring prospects for job seekers in the life sciences field.

The details

Last month, 11 biopharma companies let go or projected they would let go of 463 employees, down from over 1,300 job cuts at more than twice as many companies in January 2025. The largest reduction was at Takeda, which cut 243 positions, mainly in its neuroscience commercialization teams. Despite the year-over-year decline in layoffs, the job market remains highly competitive, with 64% of employed/contract professionals and 96% of unemployed respondents planning to actively seek new roles in 2026, up from 59% and 95% respectively in the prior year.

• In January 2026, biopharma companies reported 463 job cuts.
• In January 2025, biopharma companies reported over 1,300 job cuts.

What’s next

The hiring outlook for the biopharma industry in 2026 remains uncertain, as companies continue to navigate economic conditions. However, the reduced layoffs in January could signal improved hiring prospects for job seekers in the life sciences field.