By Tess Stynes
The number of announced technology-sector job cuts last year
reached the highest level since 2009, in sharp contrast to the
decline in layoffs in the broader jobs market in 2014, according to
data from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
Tech-sector employers announced a total of 100,757 job cuts in
2014, a 77% jump from 2013. It also marked the first time the
number of tech-sector job cuts exceeded 100,000 since 2009, when
they reached 174,629.
Last year was marked by massive layoffs at tech giants Microsoft
Corp. (MSFT) and Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ), which were among a
number of big tech names that were downsizing. Several companies
cited a need to be more nimble and streamlined amid a quickly
shifting marketplace.
Challenger recently had reported that the number of announced
job cuts reached 483,171 in 2014, the lowest level since 1997.
Overall, tech job cuts comprised 21% of that total.
The computer segment had the highest level of planned job
cuts--at 59,523, an increase of 69% year-to-year.
Write to Tess Stynes at tess.stynes@wsj.com
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