Meta is reportedly preparing for a major round of layoffs that could affect as much as 20 per cent of its global workforce, as the technology giant seeks to offset the soaring cost of artificial intelligence investment while reshaping its operations around AI-driven productivity.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, senior executives at the company have begun signalling to leadership teams that job cuts are likely, although the scale and timing of the reductions have not yet been finalised. If the reductions were to reach the 20 per cent level currently under discussion, it would represent the largest workforce reduction since the company’s sweeping restructuring in 2022 and 2023.

A spokesperson for Meta Platforms declined to confirm the plans, describing reports of potential layoffs as “speculative reporting about theoretical approaches”. However, people close to the company say internal conversations about streamlining teams have intensified in recent weeks.

Meta employed nearly 79,000 people globally as of the end of last year. A reduction of 20 per cent would potentially affect more than 15,000 roles.

The potential cuts follow a period of heavy spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure and talent as chief executive Mark Zuckerberg pushes to position the company as a leader in generative AI and so-called “superintelligence”.

Meta has already committed to investing hundreds of billions of dollars into new AI data centres and computing capacity over the next several years. The company has signalled that it plans to spend as much as $600 billion building new data centre infrastructure by 2028 as it scales its AI capabilities.

At the same time, Meta has been offering enormous compensation packages to attract top AI researchers to its new superintelligence research group. Some packages are reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars over four years in an effort to compete with rivals in the rapidly escalating global race for AI talent.

The company has also expanded through acquisitions to strengthen its position in the AI sector. Earlier this week Meta confirmed the acquisition of Moltbook, a social networking platform designed specifically for AI agents, while reports suggest the company is spending at least $2 billion to acquire Chinese AI startup Manus.

However, Meta’s AI development push has not been without setbacks. Its latest large language models have faced criticism from developers and researchers, particularly following concerns that benchmark results for earlier versions of the company’s Llama models overstated performance.

Meta ultimately abandoned plans to release the largest version of its Llama 4 model, known internally as Behemoth, after the system failed to meet expectations during testing.

The company’s next flagship AI system, currently being developed under the codename Avocado, is intended to restore Meta’s standing in the increasingly competitive generative AI market, though insiders say progress has been slower than hoped.

Behind the restructuring discussions lies a broader shift in how major technology companies believe AI will transform their workforce.

Zuckerberg has repeatedly suggested that improvements in AI tools will allow companies to achieve the same output with far fewer employees. Earlier this year he said that projects which previously required large teams could now be delivered by a single highly skilled engineer supported by advanced AI systems.

This shift toward “AI-assisted workers” is increasingly reshaping hiring strategies across the technology industry.

Large US technology companies have already begun cutting jobs while simultaneously ramping up spending on AI infrastructure and automation tools. Amazon confirmed earlier this year that it would cut about 16,000 corporate jobs, while payments firm Block recently announced plans to eliminate nearly half its workforce, citing productivity gains from AI.

Workforce experts say the trend reflects a wider recalibration across the tech sector following the rapid hiring surge during the pandemic.

Thea Fineren, chief people officer at IT services company Advania, said the restructuring being considered at Meta reflects a broader shift across the corporate world as AI begins to automate large portions of routine work.

She said companies that expanded aggressively during the pandemic are now reassessing workforce structures in light of rapidly advancing automation technologies.

“Even the world’s most advanced companies are not immune to the accelerating impact of automation and overhiring in the AI era,” she said. “Organisations scaled rapidly during the pandemic and are now confronting the realities of that growth alongside major technological change.”

Fineren said HR leaders must increasingly plan for continuous workforce transformation rather than reacting after technological disruption has already occurred.

Businesses should identify roles most vulnerable to automation while investing in reskilling programmes and new career pathways, she said, adding that companies must maintain a human-centred approach even as AI becomes more deeply embedded in operations.

As artificial intelligence systems take over transactional and repetitive tasks, she argued, employees will increasingly focus on higher-value work that requires judgement, creativity and human interaction.

“It’s not humans versus machines,” she said. “It’s about giving people the best opportunity to add value in areas where human capability still matters most.”

For Meta, however, the coming months could mark another pivotal chapter in its attempt to transform itself from a social media company into one of the world’s leading AI platforms, even if that transformation comes with significant job losses along the way.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

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PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Country music icon Dolly Parton addressed fans candidly about her recent health challenges and the profound grief following the death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, during her first major public appearance in months on March 13, 2026.

Speaking at the opening day celebration for the 41st season of her beloved Dollywood theme park, the 80-year-old superstar delivered a keynote that blended optimism, reflection and reassurance. Parton explained that a combination of minor health issues and the emotional toll of Dean’s passing on March 3, 2025, had left her “worn down and worn out,” prompting her to step back from touring and public engagements.

“I’ve not been touring, as you know,” Parton told the crowd. “I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them. I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on. I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically.”

The remarks, reported by outlets including People, USA Today, Variety, ABC News, Fox News, The Hollywood Reporter and Cosmopolitan, marked a rare moment of vulnerability for the typically upbeat performer. Parton emphasized that she is now “back to normal” and focusing on recovery, with medical professionals helping manage her unspecified conditions.

Dean, 82 at the time of his death in Nashville, had been Parton’s steadfast partner since their 1966 wedding. The couple met outside a laundromat in Nashville when Parton was 18 and Dean was 21; he famously avoided the spotlight throughout their marriage, once joking that he was “just the husband.” Parton has often credited him with providing quiet stability amid her whirlwind career.

Following his passing, Parton shared a heartfelt statement on social media: “Carl Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away March 3rd in Nashville at the age of 82. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.” No cause of death was disclosed publicly.

The loss came during a period of personal and professional transitions for Parton. She postponed a planned Las Vegas residency, originally slated for late 2025, to September 2026 to prioritize her well-being. Fans expressed concern online and in media as public sightings dwindled, with some speculating about her health based on canceled appearances.

At Dollywood, Parton struck an uplifting tone, assuring supporters she remains committed to her projects. She highlighted ongoing work at the park, including new attractions and expansions, and teased future music and creative endeavors. “I ain’t dead yet,” she quipped in one lighthearted moment captured in video clips shared by local outlets like WVLT News.

The appearance underscored Parton’s resilience. Known for her philanthropy through the Imagination Library, her work in film and television, and her enduring catalog of hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” she has long balanced personal trials with public generosity. In recent years, she has spoken about aging gracefully, maintaining her signature style and wigs while advocating for health awareness.

Industry observers note that Parton’s candor could resonate with fans facing similar grief and health challenges. The country legend has previously discussed the importance of self-care, family and faith in navigating life’s hardships.

Dollywood, which Parton co-founded in 1986, remains a cornerstone of her legacy. The park’s 2026 season kickoff drew crowds eager to see her, with many praising her strength in social media reactions. Videos from the event show Parton radiant in her trademark sparkle, waving to fans and sharing laughs.

As she continues rebuilding, Parton reiterated her gratitude for support. “All is good,” she said, signaling readiness to re-engage with her audience. Upcoming plans include the rescheduled residency and potential new releases, though specifics remain under wraps.

The emotional address serves as a poignant reminder of Parton’s humanity behind the larger-than-life persona. After a year marked by profound loss and physical setbacks, her return to Dollywood symbolizes hope and perseverance.

Fans worldwide continue to rally around the star, sending messages of love and healing. With her trademark optimism intact, Dolly Parton appears poised for a renewed chapter, honoring Carl Dean’s memory while embracing life’s next notes.