Amazon to shed over 18,000 jobs as it cuts costs, CEO says

Amazon aims to shed more than 18,000 roles as it cuts costs, the technology giant’s boss says.

Affected workers will be informed from January 18, chief executive Andy Jassy said in a note to staff.

The cuts amount to around 6% of the firm’s roughly 300,000-strong corporate workforce, reports the BBC.

Amazon is the latest big technology company to unveil major layoffs as the cost of living crisis sees customers cut back on spending.

The announcement comes after the technology giant said last year that it would reduce its headcount.

“We are working to support those who are affected and are providing packages that include a separation payment, transitional health insurance benefits, and external job placement support,” Jassy said.

“Amazon has weathered uncertain and difficult economies in the past, and we will continue to do so,” he added.

Jassy did not specify where affected employees were located, but he said the firm would communicate with organisations that represent employees “where applicable in Europe”.

He also said the “majority of role eliminations” would be in the Amazon Stores operations and its People, Experience, and Technology team.