OMB says RIFs for federal worker layoffs begin due to government shutdown

"Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought posted on X around noon Eastern time on Friday, "The RIFs have begun." He's likely referring to a pre-shutdown memo from The Office of Management and Budget directing federal agencies to "consider" terminations for employees working in programs that are "not consistent with the President's priorities." The memo did give specifics on which agencies or roles would be impacted."

"Business Insider has spoken with two dozen employees across agencies since the shutdown began. Some have been furloughed, while others remain at their post without pay. Most have been bracing themselves for bad news. The Office of Management and Budget did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI, and the White House referred Business Insider to OMB. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously told reporters that layoffs will "likely" be " in the thousands.""

"For his part, Mark Cochran is exhausted. He's a longtime National Park Service employee at Pennsylvania's Gettysburg Military Parkand Northeastern regional union president. Cochran spent the end of Septemberstoring equipment, closing the park's cemetery, and throwing away trash in preparation for a shutdown. On October 1, he received a notice that his role is furloughed - and he has been waiting for the other shoe to drop. Layoffs would be "ridiculous," Cochran told Business Insider last week. "We've been doing more with less for decades, and if you cut our staffing even more, then things aren't going to get done.""

Federal agencies have initiated reductions in force as a government shutdown continues, creating furloughs and unpaid work for many employees. The Office of Management and Budget issued guidance asking agencies to consider terminating staff in programs deemed inconsistent with presidential priorities, and OMB leadership indicated that RIFs have begun. White House communications signaled that layoffs could reach into the thousands. Employees across agencies report mixed statuses and widespread anxiety as some are furloughed, some remain working without pay, and others await potential termination notices, raising concerns about service impacts and staffing shortfalls.

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