I work in HR, and I can say with 99.9% confidence that the New York and Los Angeles layoffs are scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Before you read the following, know that yes, it's that bad! - Most line managers still have no idea what’s coming. Only a few will find out what’s happening on Friday afternoon or early next week. Yes, even some SVPs and EVPs have been kept completely in the dark about what’s happening to their own teams. This might be because they are also being laid off and haven’t been told yet, or due to concerns about leaks. It also shows that they hasn’t had much control over the process this time. The new Skydance leadership seems to dislike how, in previous rounds at paramount, some staff had early knowledge of what was coming, so this time they’re keeping everything very close to their chests. - Yes, there is still very much a use and them.
I know for certain that I’m being laid off. I found out by accident when I was mistakenly sent a spreadsheet listing my name. (I felt humiliated) Later, my manager confirmed it was accurate and told me I wasn’t supposed to have seen it. I was officially meant to be notified next Wednesday.
However, I’m not surprised to be included since most of the teams I support are also being cut.
Important: From what I know based on previous layoffs, there’s no real negotiation. Yes, you can try to push back or ask for more, but you probably won’t get anything extra, which honestly su-ks. All communication will eventually funnel through a general HR mailbox, and the replies will be completely generic.
If you think about holding out or trying to push for a better deal, don't bother. They won’t bend, and if you try, they simply won’t pay you. The company plans to go in hard on HR compliance and will not move on severance, timing, or terms. Why drag it out when the result is already decided?
This round of layoffs combines the old Paramount process with the new Paramount Skydance approach. The compensation structure hasn’t changed, but leadership is working extremely hard to keep everything under wraps until the official announcement. They want to show in the next earnings report that they saved far more money than expected.
I love this company, but I’m starting to lose faith in the new management. Don’t blame your team or department lead for what’s happening. Seriously! They’ve been kept in the dark just like everyone else.