#massachusetts

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/

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/economy/coca-colas-northampton-plant-closing-will-trigger-175-layoffs/

OtherSide Entertainment cut 17 jobs. This followed the cancellation of its Argos project. The studio deemed the game unviable in the current market. The job cuts took effect in late May. This reflects ongoing industry pressure for even veteran studios.

https://gamedev.net/news/otherside-entertainment-cuts-17-jobs-after-argos-cancellation-r4009/

Takeda Pharmaceutical, Massachusetts’ largest life sciences employer, is preparing to lay off 247 employees in Cambridge, with cuts beginning as soon as July 1, 2026 and some possibly extending into 2027.

The article is posted here: https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/healthcare/articles/largest-mass-biotech-employer-axing-181441933.html

The layoffs are part of Takeda’s broader Transformation Program, approved in March, which aims to save about $1.2 billion annually by 2028. Globally, Takeda plans to cut around 4,500 jobs by March 2027, which is less than 10% of its workforce. The Massachusetts layoffs are included in that global figure, not an additional round.

A major driver is the sharp decline of VYVANSE, Takeda’s ADHD dr-g, after it lost U.S. patent protection in August 2023. U.S. sales reportedly fell 63% last fiscal year as generics entered the market.

Takeda said many affected Massachusetts employees have already found other roles inside the company, and it has about 2,100 open positions globally, including in Massachusetts. The company says it is prioritizing internal candidates.

The article also notes that Takeda recently lost an antitrust case involving AMITIZA, but the company said that verdict is not connected to the layoffs.

Takeda is now relying on several experimental dr-gs, including oveporexton, rusfertide, and zasocitinib, to help replace lost VYVANSE revenue.

Fall River Public Schools will lay off 73 educators. Initial non-renewal letters went to 213 employees. Reasons cited include performance and missing state licensing requirements. The district is working to help many educators meet these standards. Special Education teachers and newcomers are most affected by these cuts.

Fall River, Massachusetts

https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/education/2026/06/10/fall-river-schools-issue-213-teacher-layoff-notices-new-licensing-requirements/90476083007/

Community Healthlink layoffs have increased to 127. The health provider is an affiliate of UMass Memorial Health. It will permanently close due to workforce shortages and shrinking demand. These layoffs are scheduled for July 31. UMass Memorial Health is working to find new operators for its services.

Worcester, Massachusetts

https://www.masslive.com/centralmass/2026/06/layoffs-at-closing-worcester-county-health-provider-jump-to-127.html

Chase Corporation will lay off 72 employees. These job cuts will occur between August and December. The affected employees work at the Oxford, Massachusetts location. A WARN notice detailed the upcoming layoffs. Chase Corporation is a global chemical manufacturer.

Oxford, Massachusetts

https://www.masslive.com/centralmass/2026/06/72-employees-face-layoffs-from-global-chemical-manufacturer-in-worcester-county.html

Jabil Inc. is closing its manufacturing facility in Clinton, Massachusetts. This closure will result in 103 employee layoffs. Layoffs are scheduled between August and December 2026. The company cited work consolidation to other facilities as the reason. Not all Jabil operations in Clinton are affected by this decision.

Clinton, Massachusetts

https://www.masslive.com/news/2026/06/103-mass-workers-face-layoffs-as-florida-manufacturer-closes-local-facility.html

Many Massachusetts communities are facing significant budget shortfalls. These shortfalls are leading to widespread municipal layoffs. Malden plans to lay off 29 public employees, including firefighters. New Bedford will cut 94 positions and close a fire station. This situation follows the end of pandemic-era federal grants.

Massachusetts

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/05/metro/massachusetts-layoffs/

Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson unveiled his proposed $394 million budget for fiscal year 2027. This plan aims to address an estimated $5.4 million financial shortfall. The budget includes a record investment increase for Somerville public schools. However, it also involved the layoff of 13 city staffers on May 22. Mayor Wilson described these staff reductions as "traumatic."

Somerville, Massachusetts

https://www.cambridgeday.com/2026/06/06/somerville-mayor-budget-layoffs/

Fulcrum Therapeutics announced a significant business restructure. The company is reducing its workforce by 85%. This leaves the company with nine employees. The decision follows the discontinuation of its lead dr-g candidate, pociredir. The FDA raised safety concerns regarding the sickle cell disease treatment.

https://www.biospace.com/business/fulcrum-tanks-as-cancer-concerns-stymie-sickle-cell-asset-trigger-business-reorg

Steinerfilm, a manufacturer of dielectric tape and metallized plastic film, permanently closed its Williamstown, Massachusetts, facility at the end of June. The closure ended over 50 years of domestic U.S. manufacturing for the company, resulting in the termination of 34 employees.

https://www.plasticsnews.com/processors/extrusion/pn-steinerfilm-closing-massachusetts-film-plant/

South Shore Elder Services is laying off 131 workers. The Braintree-based nonprofit lost its state elder care provider designation. The Executive Office of Aging and Independence will end its contract on June 30, 2026. The organization reported a $2.3 million net loss in fiscal year 2024. Clients and services are transferring to Old Colony Elder Services in Brockton.

Braintree, Massachusetts

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/131-employees-face-layoffs-braintree-133718752.html

Massachusetts reported over 5,500 layoffs through May 2026. These job cuts were announced via WARN notices. Dover Saddlery, Christianbook, and Cardinal Health are among those affected. Dover Saddlery plans 112 cuts, Christianbook 50, and Cardinal Health 58. The state's April unemployment rate was 4.7 percent.

Massachusetts

https://patch.com/massachusetts/across-ma/major-job-cuts-hit-massachusetts-2026

Greenfield Community College balanced its FY27 budget. This effort significantly reduced projected layoffs. Three non-unit management positions were eliminated. No union-represented staff positions were cut. The college also left some vacant positions unfilled.

Greenfield, Massachusetts

https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/franklin-county/greenfield-college-balances-budget-minimizes-layoffs/

Students at two South County schools staged walkouts. Mount Everett Regional School students protested recent teacher layoffs. The Southern Berkshire Regional School District cut over 20 faculty positions. Monument Mountain Regional High School students protested immigration enforcement. Students aimed to make their collective voices heard on these issues.

Sheffield, Massachusetts

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/southern_berkshires/south-county-walkouts/article_b73a3c47-1195-404c-a143-97cd0a46f6aa.html

Lowell City Council approved a new fire department budget. This budget avoids proposed layoffs for six firefighters. A deal was struck between the City Manager and union president. The union agreed to work on reducing overtime costs. This agreement preserves the department's current staffing of 203 positions.

Lowell, Massachusetts

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/27/metro/lowell-fire-department-layoffs-after-massive-fire/

Somerville's Mayor Jake Wilson announced staff reductions. The city cut thirteen active employee positions. Sixteen vacant roles were also eliminated from the budget. This action addresses a projected $5.4 million budget deficit. Impacted staff will receive paid leave and human resources support.

Somerville, MA

https://patch.com/massachusetts/somerville/somerville-announces-large-scale-layoffs-city-hall