“Historically Low Attrition” Prompts PwC to Trim 1,500 From U.S. Workforce

What’s Going On at PwC?

PwC has cut roughly 2% of its U.S. workforce—around 1,500 jobs—this month, mostly impacting tax and audit teams, according to reporting by Fortune.

• The layoffs follow what PwC called “historically low attrition” and “continued market shifts,” per an internal email from Deanna Byrne, PwC’s U.S. assurance leader.
• Many of those laid off were recent hires, the FT noted.
• PwC is also scaling back its campus recruiting and internship efforts, though previously extended internship offers will still be honored.

The Bigger Picture

The move reflects a broader slowdown across the U.S. accounting sector after a post-pandemic hiring and revenue boom.

• Between 2022 and 2025, PwC’s U.S. headcount ballooned from 56,000 to nearly 77,000, in line with soaring demand.
• PwC’s Americas division saw growth plunge to 3.4% in 2024, Business Insider reported—down from 10.7% the year prior.
• The Financial Times pointed to a weak M&A market and reduced consulting demand as major contributors to the slump.

Analysts say the industry’s post-COVID surge is normalizing, with firms now correcting course on overhiring.

Impact on Canadian Staff

It remains unclear if the workforce reduction at PwC will affect Canadian employees.

According to LinkedIn, the company has more than 1,000 workers in the country.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Can I be fired after a bad performance review in Ontario?
• What Albertans need to do if they’re fired after a bad performance review
• Fired after a bad performance review in B.C.: Employee rights

Next Steps For PwC Employees

If you’ve been affected by the layoffs at PwC , understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada’s PwC sector are entitled to severance pay based on a variety of factors, including their role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

• SEE ALSO: Layoffs in Canada: Find out which employers are slashing staff

ℹ️ Want a quick overview on severance pay? Watch the video below or check out the full episode in our TV section.

Here’s What You Need to Know

• Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You generally have up to two years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Canadian employment laws.

Lost Your Job? Contact Us

If you’re affected by the latest round of layoffs at PwC, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Call us today 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.