Microsoft cuts about 1 000 jobs

Microsoft Corp laid off under 1 000 employees across several divisions this week, Axios reported on Tuesday citing a source, making it the latest United States (US) technology company to cut jobs or slow hiring amid a global economic slowdown.

The layoffs affected less than 1% of Microsoft’s total workforce of around 221 000 as of 30 June. The company had said in July that a small number of roles had been eliminated and that it would increase its head count down the line.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the Axios report.

Several technology companies, including Meta Platforms, Twitter Inc and Snap Inc have cut jobs and scaled back hiring in recent months as global economic growth slows due to higher interest rates, rising inflation and an energy crisis in Europe.