Qualcomm Layoffs Begin In India And The US As Employees Receive Termination Notices; Severance Package Details Emerge

Qualcomm has started handing out termination notices as part of a workforce reduction affecting its operations in India and the US. The company has not said how many people will lose their jobs. However, reports of employees being let go have brought attention to the severance benefits being offered. The exercise follows an internal message from CEO Cristiano Amon, who called the move a performance-focused restructuring.

What Is Qualcomm Offering Employees?

Details shared by some affected employees on Reddit suggest that the severance package could depend on how long a person has worked at the company.

The reported terms include two weeks of gross salary as a starting payment. Employees may get another two weeks' salary for each completed year of service. Those who have worked for only part of a year could receive a proportionate amount.

The package may also cover health insurance through a lump-sum payment. A few employees have mentioned receiving an offer of one extra month's salary if they sign the paperwork within 48 hours. It is unclear whether Qualcomm is extending this offer to everyone being laid off. Some employees have questioned what they would be giving up by signing the agreement. The documents reportedly include provisions related to legal claims against the company. Employees may want to check these terms before agreeing to the settlement.

Why Is Qualcomm Cutting Jobs?

The short answer is that its smartphone business has cooled. People are buying fewer consumer electronics, and memory chips have become costlier, which squeezes the handset makers who are Qualcomm’s customers. Then there’s Apple. Qualcomm now expects the revenue it earns from Apple’s business to shrink faster than it had earlier projected.

In an internal memo from October 2026, which Reuters reviewed, CEO Cristiano Amon said the company needed to deal with performance issues and build a culture that rewards results.

At the same time, Qualcomm is putting money into newer business areas, including artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centres, and automotive technology.

The number of employees affected is still uncertain. Initial reports put the possible job losses in India at around 1,000, but later accounts suggested the figure could be lower. Qualcomm employed approximately 52,000 people globally as of September 2025.

Also Read - EPFO 240TH CBT Meeting On 19 November: EPF, EPS And EDLI Schemes In Focus As Board Prepares To Convene