Layoffs at EY have intensified throughout 2025, reaching deep into the U.S. firm’s core service lines: Audit, Tax, and Consulting. While layoffs have been ongoing globally, the U.S. has seen a distinct pattern of staff being quietly let go—sometimes regardless of performance.

This post breaks down which service lines are being hit, what levels are affected, and how year-end performance ratings like “NTP” (Needs to Progress) are being used to carry out these cuts.

🔥 Key Takeaways

  • Audit, Tax, and Consulting are all being impacted—Audit and Consulting the most.
  • Cuts affect Staff 1 through Manager levels, with some roles let go shortly after year-end reviews.
  • Many affected employees had positive performance reviews or met expectations.
  • Severance is minimal—often just 4 weeks, with little notice.

EY 2025 layoffs

📉 EY Layoffs by U.S. Service Line

📊 1. Audit (Assurance)

Despite its reputation as the “safe” service line, Audit is no longer immune to layoffs.

Who’s Affected:

  • Staff 2 to Managers across various U.S. regions
  • Some Seniors and Managers reportedly laid off weeks after receiving “Meets Expectations” ratings in year-end reviews
  • EY is also cutting Client Technology Assurance (CT Assurance) roles, particularly in offshore delivery centers

Common Scenario:

“I was a Senior who had a good year-end review. Still got the ‘status discussion’ and was let go with 4 weeks severance.”

Reasoning:

  • Consolidation of audit support in Global Delivery Centers (GDS)
  • Loss of 80+ public company clients in 2023–24
  • Pressure to flatten teams and reduce U.S. payroll costs

🧾 2. Tax

Tax has seen selective layoffs, primarily driven by restructuring and performance filtering.

Who’s Affected:

  • Mostly Staff 1–2 and a few Seniors with “Needs to Progress” (NTP) ratings
  • Layoffs are more performance-based than structural in Tax, according to insiders

Common Scenario:

“I got an NTP for not meeting billable hour targets. Two weeks later I was let go.”

Notes:

  • NTP seems to be used more consistently in Tax as a legitimate performance label
  • Some remaining roles are being moved to EY GDS centers abroad

💼 3. Consulting (Advisory)

Consulting has faced the most aggressive cuts in the U.S. and globally due to weak client demand.

Who’s Affected:

  • Staff 1–3, Senior Associates, and Managers in Technology Risk, Strategy & Transactions, and other advisory groups
  • Layoffs impacted even those with “Meets” or “Exceeds Expectations” at year-end

Common Scenario:

“Was rated ‘Meets Expectations’ in my performance review. Three weeks later, was given a meeting with HR and told my role was being eliminated.”

Reasoning:

  • Slump in client projects post-2024
  • Overcapacity after hiring spikes during COVID-era growth
  • Move to offshore some delivery roles

🏷️ The Role of Year-End Evaluations

What is “NTP”?

  • NTP = Needs to Progress
  • A formal rating assigned during performance evaluations indicating that the employee is not meeting expectations
  • Often used as a soft layoff trigger, even when no Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is offered

Patterns Observed:

Rating GivenOutcome
Exceeds ExpectationsSafe for now, though some still cut due to role elimination
Meets ExpectationsMany still laid off due to “business decisions” or “restructuring”
Needs to Progress (NTP)Frequently followed by a layoff notice within 2–4 weeks
No Rating / Mid-YearOften let go before the cycle or during mid-year realignments

“I had a good year-end review. Then I was told I was part of a business restructuring. No one mentioned performance again.”

💸 Severance & Transition Details

  • Most U.S.-based professionals are receiving:
    • 4 weeks severance
    • Healthcare coverage through the end of the month
    • Access to job placement tools (mildly helpful at best)
  • No retention bonuses or transition roles were widely reported

🧭 What To Do If You’re at Risk

  1. Clarify your rating: Ask your counselor/manager to provide written feedback if labeled NTP.
  2. Document everything: Keep records of performance reviews, communications, and work metrics.
  3. Start job searching immediately: Especially if you’re Staff 2+, as similar firms are now flooded with candidates.
  4. Leverage your EY experience: The Big 4 brand still carries weight in industry roles—FP&A, internal audit, tech risk, etc.

🎯 Final Thoughts

EY’s 2025 U.S. layoffs are broader and more unpredictable than in previous years. While the firm is citing performance in some cases, the reality is that many high-performing employees have been let go due to structural realignments, client attrition, and global cost-cutting.

Whether you’re in Audit, Tax, or Consulting—if you’re labeled NTP or if your team seems overstaffed—start preparing now.

The new Big 4 reality? No role is fully safe, and performance alone might not protect you.