Microsoft announces 9k job cuts across global workforce in second round of redundancies

One of the world’s biggest companies has announced it will cut about 4 per cent of its global workforce, leaving Aussie workers on edge.

Tech giant Microsoft has announced 9000 roles will go. Photo by: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Tech behemoth Microsoft has announced it will slash 9000 roles across every jurisdiction, as it looks to claw back some of its spending throughout the year.

Microsoft says the cuts – which total less than 4 per cent of its total workforce – will be across teams’ geographies and tenure.

Bloomberg previously reported Microsoft was planning to slash thousands of jobs in July, targeting salespeople and divisions including Xbox.

Tech giant Microsoft has announced 9000 roles will go. Photo by: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

It is the second round of redundancies, following job cuts earlier this year.

Microsoft says Wednesday’s job losses are aimed at reducing the organisation’s layers, with middle management to be most impacted.

It is believed this will help streamline processes and procedures.

It comes as the tech industry continues to struggle against the rapidly advancing AI race spending billions on training large language models, building servers and data centres, and pushing for further developments in AI applications.

It is as yet unconfirmed how the cuts might impact Australian workers.

“We continue to implement organisational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace,” a Microsoft spokesperson said.

The company, which had about 228,000 employees worldwide as of June last year, previously announced the termination of about 6000 workers in May.

More to come

Originally published as Microsoft announces 9k job cuts across global workforce in second round of redundancies