It is reported that Amazon has publicly denied claims that it is preparing to lay off 14,000 employees worldwide by May 2026. The rumours, circulated by some media networks, suggested that corporate roles across divisions such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), retail, and human resources could be affected. Amazon responded by saying the reports are false and not based on fact.
Despite the denial, speculation has spread quickly, especially on professional platforms such as Blind, where users claiming to be Amazon employees expressed concern about possible restructuring and large-scale cuts. Some workers voiced frustration over unclear performance criteria, adding to the sense of uncertainty.
If the rumours were true, this would mark Amazon’s third round of layoffs in less than a year. The company previously cut 16,000 jobs in January and eliminated about 14,000 roles in late 2025. These reductions followed similar moves by other tech giants, including Oracle, which recently laid off 30,000 employees, and Meta, which is reportedly planning cuts of up to 15,000. Microsoft, TCS and Accenture have also carried out large-scale layoffs.
Amazon is simultaneously investing heavily in technology. The company has projected around $125 billion in capital expenditure for 2026, with most of the spending directed toward artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centres. This shift highlights a growing focus on technology investment rather than workforce expansion.
For now, Amazon insists that no new layoffs are planned, but the rumours have already heightened stress among employees.