#massachusetts

Heard Lowell MA got hit.

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"!!!

Agios Pharmaceuticals is implementing significant workforce reductions within its research and development division. The company aims to eliminate over 100 R&D roles by the end of the year. These cuts are intended to decrease the R&D headcount by more than 35% compared to 2025 levels. The anticipated cost savings from these reductions are projected to be realized in 2027. This strategic move comes as Agios awaits a potential FDA approval for its anemia medicine in sickle cell disease.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/agios-aims-shed-100-rd-roles-year-ahead-hoped-scd-approval

Brockton is facing a significant financial shortfall of $18 million. City leaders will use depleted reserves to approve tax bills. This action is a temporary measure to address the immediate budget gap. Officials have warned that layoffs and service cuts are now being considered. The city is scrambling to find solutions to its severe financial problems.

Brockton, Massachusetts

https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/news/local/2026/11/04/brockton-budget-crisis-deficit-pensions-troy-clarkson-mayor-moises-rodrigues/92054897007/

Nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital have announced an open-ended strike to begin on November 12th. This action is expected to be the largest nurses' strike in state history, involving approximately 4,000 union nurses. Key issues in the contract dispute include pay raises, limitations on temporary workers, and affordable health insurance. The hospital and the Massachusetts Nurses Association are scheduled to resume negotiations on November 9th. This potential strike occurs amidst broader financial challenges and layoffs within the Mass General Brigham health system.

Boston, Massachusetts

https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/brigham-and-womens-nurses-announce-open-ended-strike

Town officials are preparing two budget scenarios for fiscal year 2028, one level-funded and another with a 5% reduction. Department heads have been informed that layoffs are expected due to rising costs and insufficient state aid. Pension and health insurance expenses are projected to increase significantly in the coming years. Both the Select Board and Finance Committee have stated they will not pursue another tax override. Residents are encouraged to advocate for increased state funding for local aid.

Abington, Massachusetts

https://www.southshore.news/p/abington-officials-warn-of-layoffs

Following a prolonged closure due to critical elevator failures, the Pittsfield Holiday Inn & Suites has laid off twenty employees. The hotel has been non-operational since late September when its last elevator malfunctioned. The attached restaurant also ceased operations temporarily. It remains uncertain when the hotel will resume services as building issues persist.

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

https://www.iberkshires.com/story/84328/Pittsfield-Holiday-Inn-Closure-Continues-Layoffs-Reported.html

Five Massachusetts companies have filed WARN notices indicating potential layoffs by year's end. These notices signal a possible reduction of up to 550 jobs across the state. The state's MassHire Rapid Response team is prepared to offer support services to affected workers. These services include training, job fairs, and interview workshops. Affected employees are encouraged to contact their local MassHire Career Center for assistance.

Massachusetts

https://patch.com/massachusetts/across-ma/many-550-massachusetts-layoffs-years-end-state

Real Food From The Ground Up is closing its Fitchburg facility. The shutdown is scheduled for December 15. This action will impact operations at this specific location. Further details regarding the closure are not available in the provided text. The company has not released additional information.

Fitchburg, MA

https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2026/10/26/layoffs-our-home-snacks-massachusetts.html

Unionized nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital are voting on a final contract proposal after months of negotiations. This vote occurs as the hospital's parent company, Mass General Brigham, implements layoffs and cost-cutting measures. The nurses previously postponed a strike that could have significantly disrupted patient care. If the offer is rejected, the union may reconsider an indefinite strike. Union leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal, particularly regarding wage increases.

Boston, MA

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/23/business/brigham-union-contract-vote/

Biotechnology firm Fractyl Health is implementing significant workforce reductions, impacting nearly half of its employees. This strategic decision involves discontinuing its gene therapy program to concentrate on a single product. The company aims to streamline operations and advance its weight maintenance treatment, Revita, toward market approval. These changes are expected to be finalized by next month. Co-founder Jay Caplan will also retire from his executive role.

Burlington, Massachusetts

https://www.masslive.com/business/2026/10/mass-biotech-company-to-lay-off-almost-half-its-staff.html

Massachusetts' largest healthcare provider, Mass General Brigham, is implementing another round of layoffs and significantly reducing its Home Hospital program. The cuts began last week, impacting various departments, including pediatricians at Mass Eye and Ear. The health system cited the need for long-term financial sustainability and improved care coordination as reasons for these difficult decisions. The Home Hospital program, once the nation's largest, will be scaled back to serve a maximum of 30 patients, down from approximately 70. These changes are occurring amidst rising labor and pharmaceutical costs and stagnant reimbursement rates.

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/mass-general-brigham-layoffs-home-hospital/

EyePoint announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 53% of its workforce following a disappointing clinical trial result. The company's experimental eye treatment, DURAVYU, failed to meet its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 study for wet age-related macular degeneration. This setback has led EyePoint to reallocate resources towards its diabetic macular edema program. The company anticipates these reductions will yield substantial annualized savings. Jefferies downgraded the stock and drastically cut its price target due to the trial disappointment.

https://www.barchart.com/story/news/8206671/eypt-stock-layoffs-what-to-know-about-the-latest-eyepoint-job-cuts

Two Massachusetts-based biotechnology companies, Adecto Pharmaceuticals and Aviceda Therapeutics, have announced they are ceasing operations. Adecto Pharmaceuticals has officially closed its doors after struggling with fundraising in a risk-averse market. Aviceda Therapeutics is in the process of winding down its operations due to disappointing clinical trial results. Adecto's CEO expressed hope that the company's research could still be advanced. Both companies were developing novel therapeutic treatments.

Boston, Massachusetts

https://www.biospace.com/job-trends/2-massachusetts-biotechs-call-it-quits

Hundreds of workers in Massachusetts' biotechnology sector have been laid off. The third quarter saw substantial job reductions impacting numerous individuals. Sanofi and TScan Therapeutics were responsible for over half of these workforce reductions. These cuts represent a significant event for the regional biotech industry. The full scope of the layoffs is detailed in the article.

Boston, MA

https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2026/10/07/q3-2026-biotech-layoffs.html

Software company HubSpot is laying off 660 employees, which is approximately 7% of its total staff. CEO Yamini Rangan stated the layoffs are part of a restructuring effort to improve speed and customer focus. These changes aim to align the company's structure and resources with its long-term strategy. Rangan clarified that the layoffs are not due to AI replacing jobs or for cost-cutting purposes. The company is reducing management layers to expedite decision-making.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/cambridge-based-hubspot-announces-660-layoffs-amid-restructuring/JYFVTFT2QVEF5EE44PGWKF37CA/

Boston-based technology firm Klaviyo has announced a reduction in its global workforce. The company has eliminated positions within its product and design departments. These layoffs were reportedly communicated to affected employees on Monday. The exact number of employees impacted by these cuts has not been disclosed. This action comes as part of a broader reorganization within the company.

Boston, MA

https://www.nbcboston.com/boston-business-journal/boston-based-tech-company-klaviyo-announces-layoffs/4024431/

Foghorn Therapeutics is significantly reducing its workforce by nearly half. This decision comes after the company terminated its dr-g development partnership with Eli Lilly. The biotech firm is now focused on conserving its financial resources. This move indicates a shift towards a more defensive operational strategy. The partnership's dissolution is the primary driver for these substantial layoffs.

Cambridge, MA

https://www.barrons.com/articles/foghorn-therapeutics-stock-lilly-cancer-job-cuts-d43e6a0f

Tara McRae has departed Puma North America. She was the first woman to lead the division. McRae is now joining Skechers. Her move comes just over a year after she took the helm at Puma. This represents a significant leadership change for both companies.

Somerville, Massachusetts

https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2026/09/15/tara-mcrae-leaves-puma-for-skechers.html

Sionna Therapeutics is implementing significant layoffs, reducing its workforce by approximately 46%. This decision follows the failure of its SION-719 cystic fibrosis trial. The company is shifting its focus to a new dual combination therapy. This strategic pivot aims to advance a different NBD1 stabilizer and CFTR corrector. The restructuring is expected to extend the company's cash runway.

Boston, MA

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/sionna-lays-46-workforce-strategic-shift-after-cystic-fibrosis-trial-fail

Harvard College Dean David J. Deming described the recent summer layoffs as a "horrible" and difficult process. He stated that the Faculty of Arts and Sciences implemented these cuts to address a significant structural deficit. Despite the challenges, Deming expressed pride in the College staff for largely maintaining student-facing programming. He acknowledged that some programs were impacted, but emphasized that most remained intact. Deming believes the restructuring, which reversed some prior administrative decisions, was a responsible approach.

Cambridge, MA

https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2026/9/11/deming-layoffs-comments/

Biopharmaceutical companies reported significantly fewer layoffs in August compared to the previous year. The total number of companies implementing workforce reductions decreased by 48%, with affected employees dropping by 90%. This improvement is largely attributed to a massive reduction at CSL in August 2025. However, there was a month-over-month increase in August 2026, with more companies and employees impacted than in July. Several companies, including Arsenal Biosciences, aTyr Pharma, and Lisata Therapeutics, are cutting a substantial portion of their workforces.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

https://www.biospace.com/job-trends/august-biopharma-layoffs-impact-just-over-500-down-90-year-over-year

Emerson College is implementing layoffs affecting staff in finance and admissions departments. The institution attributes these workforce reductions to declining enrollment numbers. Increased competition for domestic students is also cited as a contributing factor. These job cuts extend to procurement roles as well. The college is adjusting its operations in response to these market pressures.

Boston, Massachusetts

https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2026/09/11/emerson-staff-layoff.html

TScan Therapeutics is significantly reducing its workforce by 75% to reallocate resources. The company is pausing its hematological and autoimmune programs to prioritize preclinical solid tumor initiatives. This strategic shift aims to advance its solid tumor pipeline and seek partnerships for its paused programs. The decision was influenced by insufficient capital for ongoing trials and a recent collaboration termination. These changes are expected to extend the company's financial runway.

Waltham, Massachusetts

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/tscan-axes-75-workforce-make-room-solid-tumor-programs

Manufacturing in Massachusetts will end by 1st quarter in 2027. All manufacturing will be moved to low-cost countries where labor costs are much less.

Employees will not be offered relocation or positions in the replacement facility.

Templeton is facing a significant budget shortfall for fiscal year 2027. The Board of Selectmen plans to present a $1.3 million override request to voters. If the override fails, the town has prepared a contingency plan. This plan includes implementing approximately sixteen layoffs across various departments. These personnel reductions are intended to address the financial deficit.

Templeton, MA

https://www.thegardnernews.com/story/news/local/2026/08/19/sept-22-templeton-ma-special-election-is-1-3m-override-request-layoffs-pending/91352676007/

Merck KGaA's North American division, EMD Serono, has laid off 20 employees at its Billerica, Massachusetts research site. This reduction follows a previous announcement about enforcing onsite work requirements at the same location. The layoffs are scheduled to take effect in late October. The company stated the decision was made to better support its R&D approach and future needs. This move is part of a broader trend of downsizing its American R&D operations as it shifts focus to external innovation.

Billerica, MA

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/merck-kgaa-lays-20-staffers-latest-blow-us-research-team

Sanofi is laying off 229 employees from its acquired company, Blueprint Medicines. This workforce reduction is part of the integration process following Sanofi's $9.1 billion buyout of Blueprint. The company is also consolidating its office space in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Remaining Blueprint employees will move to Sanofi's Cambridge Crossing campus. These organizational changes aim to align the structure with long-term business priorities.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/sanofi-lay-229-blueprint-medicines-staff-close-cambridge-offices-following-acquisition

Aura Biosciences is laying off 20% of its staff to concentrate on a single experimental eye cancer treatment. This strategic shift aims to reduce operating costs and extend the company's cash runway into 2029. The company is deprioritizing its bladder cancer program to focus resources on its lead dr-g candidate for choroidal melanoma. This restructuring includes leadership changes and follows a recent increase in authorized common stock. These layoffs are part of a broader trend of workforce reductions within the Massachusetts biotech sector.

Boston, Massachusetts

https://hoodline.com/2026/08/cambridge-eye-cancer-biotech-aura-cuts-20-of-staff-to-fund-late-stage-trial/

Massachusetts' life science sector is experiencing a significant increase in layoffs, with over 2,300 anticipated job cuts reported in 2025. This trend marks a notable shift after years of consistent employment growth in the industry. Experts attribute the slowdown to factors like reduced venture capital funding and the struggles of smaller, early-stage companies. Despite current challenges, there are signs of potential recovery, including an opening IPO market and renewed venture capital investment. The state's strong academic and research foundation provides a basis for future industry expansion.

Boston, MA

https://www.masslive.com/business/2026/08/life-science-layoffs-surge-in-mass-but-experts-see-signs-of-recovery.html

Boston Scientific has announced a new global restructuring plan approved by its board of directors. This initiative aims to achieve sustained cost efficiencies and support continued growth. The company expects some positions to be eliminated as part of these restructuring activities. While new jobs will be created in growth areas, overall headcount reductions are anticipated. The plan is designed to ensure the company is structured to meet its strategic priorities.

Marlborough, Massachusetts

https://www.massdevice.com/boston-scientific-cut-jobs-restructuring-effort/

Harvard Magazine has begun a restructuring process that includes layoffs. Employees whose positions are being altered or eliminated received notifications this week. This action follows a period of internal review. The exact number of affected staff has not been disclosed. The magazine is part of Harvard University.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

https://www.realcleareducation.com/2026/07/27/fas_restructuring_layoffs_begin_1196717.html

Harvard College has started implementing a significant restructuring that includes staff reductions and administrative consolidation. Employees were notified this week about changes to their roles, with some positions being eliminated. This overhaul is part of a broader effort to address a substantial structural deficit within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The changes aim to create a leaner and more responsive administrative structure. The full implementation of the new structure is expected before the fall semester begins.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

https://www.harvardmagazine.com/university-news/harvard-fas-layoffs-begin

The number of layoffs at Community Healthlink has increased to 231 positions as the organization undergoes closure. A recent WARN filing indicates 104 additional jobs will be eliminated by September 16th. These cuts affect various programs including behavioral health, children's services, and housing support across multiple communities. UMass Memorial Health is working to transition these programs to new providers. Despite the layoffs, many services are expected to continue operating.

Worcester, Massachusetts

https://theworcesterguardian.org/f/community-healthlink-layoffs-climb-to-231-as-worcesters-behavioral-health-transition-deepens/

Massachusetts saw 1,062 workers lose jobs in June. These figures come from Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notices. Anna Maria College, Hampshire College, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals announced significant cuts. Southshore Elder Services and Dover Saddlery also reported layoffs. The state's unemployment rate of 4.5% in May exceeded the national average.

https://patch.com/massachusetts/across-ma/many-1-062-massachusetts-layoffs-june

The Wu administration refused to use reserve funds for Boston Public Schools. This decision prevents reinstating over 560 eliminated positions. The job cuts resulted from a $1.7 billion BPS budget. Declining enrollment and lower state aid contributed to the cuts. The city spokesperson cited long-term financial stability as a reason.

Boston, Massachusetts

https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2026/07/06/city-declines-to-use-reserve-funds-to-prevent-bps-layoffs-as-more-than-560-positions-are-cut/

OtherSide Entertainment laid off 18 employees from its Thick as Thieves team. Fewer than ten people now remain at the Boston studio. The remaining staff will focus on performance maintenance for the game. This follows 17 layoffs last month when another project was cancelled. The company currently has no plans for future game development.

Boston, Massachusetts

https://gamedev.net/news/thick-as-thieves-dev-otherside-entertainment-impacted-by-further-layoffs-r4278/

Massachusetts experienced fewer biotech job cuts. This marks the lowest number since early 2024. Seven life sciences companies were affected. At least 346 positions were eliminated between April and June. Reasons included failed dr-g trials and FDA rejections.

https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2026/07/01/mass-q2-2026-biotech-layoffs.html

The FDA has delayed a decision on Praxis Precision Medicines' rare epilepsy dr-g. The dr-g, relutrigine, treats SCN2A and SCN8A encephalopathies. The agency requires three additional months to review new sensitivity analyses. This pushes the decision date back to December 27. Analysts suggest FDA staff cuts likely contributed to this review extension.

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/praxis-faces-fda-delay-analysts-point-finger-agency-layoffs

https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/mass-layoffs-texas-22319187.php

Cybersecurity company Snyk announced its fourth round of layoffs. Approximately 90 employees worldwide and in Israel were affected. The company is reorganizing to accelerate its focus on AI security. This strategic shift aims to simplify its structure and leadership. Snyk faces industry-wide challenges and declining valuation.

https://cybernews.com/security/snyk-cuts-jobs-focus-on-ai-security/