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.
Beth Galetti, senior vice president of people experience and technology at the company, said in a message to employees: “I recognise this is difficult news, which is why I’m sharing what’s happening and why.
“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.”
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The news was confirmed after an apparent earlier error that saw the news leaked to staff via an email.
The announcement meant that Amazon has revealed plans to cut a total of 30,000 jobs in a period of just four months.
The company did not disclose how many UK workers will be affected.
Ms Galetti explained: “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.
“While we’re making these changes, we’ll also continue hiring and investing in strategic areas and functions that are critical to our future.”
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It is understood that the vast majority of the cuts will be made in the Americas. Staff affected have the opportunity to apply for roles in key growth areas.
Amazon has been spending big on artificial intelligence (AI) and the infrastructure needed, such as data centres, to power that investment.
But its chief executive, Andy Jassy, has also spoken openly of the evolving technology’s role in employment, with more human duties being gradually replaced by automation, even at a corporate level.
