It's very possible they're telling the truth. Mass layoffs tend to be discussed only at the senior executive levels and within HR with strict instructions not

It's very possible they're telling the truth. Mass layoffs tend to be discussed only at the senior executive levels and within HR with strict instructions not to communicate downward, mostly for legal and anti-disruption reasons. Middle managers often only find out very slightly before their employees do. Of course, there will always be well-connected employees who hear of things ahead of time.