Accenture Layoffs 2025: Severance Rights & Employee Guide

Layoffs at Accenture

Accenture is in the middle of one of its largest workforce reshuffles in recent history. The global consulting giant has announced multiple rounds of layoffs, impacting tens of thousands of employees worldwide, as it pivots heavily toward artificial intelligence (AI) and cost reduction.

September 2025: 11,000 Global Layoffs Focused on AI

Accenture is reducing its global headcount from 791,000 to 779,000 — eliminating more than 11,000 positions.

• CEO Julie Sweet explained the cuts target employees who can’t be retrained in AI skills (Tech.co, Social Samosa)
• CFO Angie Park confirmed the restructuring will save over $1 billion in severance and related costs
• Accenture described this process as a “rapid talent rotation”, with resources shifting away from traditional roles toward AI-driven services
• The layoffs are expected to continue until November 2025

Despite the reductions, the company has doubled its number of AI and data specialists since 2023 (now at 77,000) and trained over 550,000 employees in generative AI.

Accenture employs over 5,000 people in Canada, including approximately 600 in the Niagara region.

Earlier Rounds: 19,000 Layoffs in 2023

This isn’t Accenture’s first major workforce cut. In March 2023, the company announced it would eliminate 19,000 jobs worldwide (about 2.5% of its staff) over 18 months (CNN).

• More than half of the roles eliminated were back-office corporate functions
• The restructuring included $1.2 billion in severance payments and $300 million in office space reductions
• Accenture cited the need to streamline operations during a period of slower growth and reduced demand for short-term project

Why Are Accenture Layoffs Happening?

Accenture has outlined several key reasons for its layoffs and restructuring:

• AI Transformation: Roles that cannot adapt to AI are being cut, while new investment flows into AI consulting and services
• Cost Reduction: The company aims to save billions through severance programs, office downsizing, and divestments
• Talent Rotation: Accenture describes its shift as moving away from skills that are no longer in demand toward emerging technologies
• Revenue Pressures: Short-term project demand has slowed, even as AI-driven consulting work grows (Accenture reported $2.6 billion in AI-related revenue over the past six months)

Like many tech and consulting firms, Accenture is betting that AI will drive future profitability. But for thousands of employees, the transition has meant sudden job loss and uncertainty about what comes next.

Accenture Severance Pay – What Employees Should Know

If you’re a non-unionized Accenture employee in Canada, you may be entitled to up to 24 months’ pay as severance in Canada when you are let go.

How Severance is Calculated

Several factors determine what you’re owed, including:

• Age
• Length of service
• Position or seniority
• Ability to find similar work (job market conditions)

What a Fair Package Should Include

A proper and fair severance package at Accenture must cover:

• Salary
• Bonuses & commissions
• Benefits & pension contributions
• RSUs, stock options, incentive pay
• Vacation pay & allowances

Not Always Called a Layoff

Sometimes Accenture (and other large employers) avoid calling it a layoff by cutting pay, reducing responsibilities, or reassigning employees. In Canada, these changes may qualify as constructive dismissal — which is legally treated the same as a termination and may entitle you to full severance pay.

Severance Success Stories – Our Track Record

We’ve negotiated significant results for employees at major corporations, including:

• ✅ 24 months’ severance for a long-term professional after refusing unfair new terms post-acquisition. See our win →
• ✅ 6 months’ severance for a short-term executive pressured to sign an unfair release after termination. See our win →
• ✅ 4 months’ severance for an employee terminated after just eight months in a senior role. See our win →

Our clients are often surprised by how much they’re legally owed after being wrongfully dismissed — and legal fees are often covered by the employer.

FAQs on Accenture Layoffs

Speak to an Employment Lawyer About Accenture Layoffs

If you’ve been impacted by Accenture layoffs in Canada, don’t sign anything before seeking legal advice.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we:

• 👥 Represented 50,000+ Canadians
• 💰 Secured millions in severance payouts
• ⚖️ Settle over 99% of cases out of court
• ⭐ Earned 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews
• 🏆 Named one of Canada’s Best Law Firms

📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and should not be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.