Amazon has reportedly told staff of its move to cut thousands of jobs.
Amazon has told staff it plans to cut around 16,000 jobs globally (Image: Getty)
Amazon has told staff it plans to cut around 16,000 jobs globally as part of efforts to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy across the business. It is the latest major round of lay-offs at the retail technology giant, coming only three months after it axed around 14,000 jobs.
It is understood that the majority of jobs impacted by the latest cuts will be in the US, but the UK operation will see some jobs axed. Amazon has not yet provided details on potential job losses in the UK. Beth Galetti, senior vice president of people experience and technology at Amazon, told staff in a blog post: “As I shared in October, we’ve been working to strengthen our organisation by reducing layers, increasing ownership and removing bureaucracy. Some of you might ask if this is the beginning of a new rhythm – where we announce broad reductions every few months. That’s not our plan.”
In her message, Galetti also said: “The reductions we are making today will impact approximately 16,000 roles across Amazon, and we’re again working hard to support everyone whose role is impacted.
“That starts with offering most US-based employees 90 days to look for a new role internally (timing will vary internationally based on local and country-level requirements).
Then, for teammates who are unable to find a new role at Amazon or who choose not to look for one, we’ll provide transition support, including severance pay, outplacement services, health insurance benefits (as applicable), and more.
“While we’re making these changes, we’ll also continue hiring and investing in strategic areas and functions that are critical to our future. We’re still in the early stages of building every one of our businesses and there’s significant opportunity ahead.”
Amazon employed around 1.57 million people at the end of September last year, with about 350,000 in its corporate workforce, while the majority of employees work in its warehouses.
It employs around 75,000 people across its UK operations.
Last September, the company announced the closure of its 19 Amazon Fresh stores across the UK, impacting around 250 jobs.
The Daily Express has contacted Amazon UK for further information.
