WiseTech Global plans 2,000-job cut as AI accelerates software work
The Australian logistics-software company plans to reduce its workforce by about 30% over two years, with AI cited as a key efficiency driver.
WiseTech Global plans to cut about 2,000 jobs—roughly 30% of its 7,000-person workforce—over two years. The ASX-listed logistics-software company expects reductions of up to 50% in product development and customer-service teams, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The company attributed the restructuring to efficiency gains from AI tools, including Claude Opus, which it said are accelerating software development. WiseTech’s shares rose after the announcement.
The scale is significant in Australia’s current AI-restructuring cycle: the reported reduction is twice the roughly 1,000 roles Commonwealth Bank cut in 2026, although CBA’s programme covered different functions and drivers.
For an employer planning a similar restructure, identify which duties have genuinely disappeared or changed because of the technology before selecting roles. Consult affected employees before making final decisions, document why redeployment is not suitable where applicable, and ensure any termination meets the genuine-redundancy test rather than treating AI adoption alone as sufficient justification.
- WiseTech Global plans to cut about 2,000 jobs over two years.
- The reduction represents roughly 30% of its approximately 7,000-person workforce.
- Product development and customer-service teams could be reduced by up to 50%.
- The company cited AI tools, including Claude Opus, as accelerating software development and efficiency.
For employers: Map the duties changed or removed by AI, consult before deciding which roles are affected, assess redeployment, and document the genuine business reason for any redundancy.
Sources: AI to blame as WiseTech cuts 2,000 jobs · AI layoffs could backfire as firms face rehiring
General information for employers, not legal advice. Reporting summarised from the linked sources; confirm details with the primary source.