Amazon’s Global Job Cuts: 14000 Employees Affected Sparking Uncertainty for UK Workers

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Amazon’s Global Job Cuts: 14000 Employees Affected Sparking Uncertainty for UK Workers

Amazon has announced significant job cuts, affecting approximately 14,000 corporate employees globally. This news has raised concerns regarding the implications for the company’s 75,000 workers based in the UK.

Impact on UK Workforce

The exact repercussions for UK staff remain uncertain. Leadership plans to communicate with impacted teams on Tuesday. Earlier predictions suggested Amazon might shed up to 30,000 jobs, according to reports from Reuters and The Wall Street Journal.

Union Response and Concerns

The GMB union, representing Amazon workers in the UK, voiced worries about potential job losses. They stated, “It is almost inevitable that many UK workers will lose their jobs.” The union criticized Amazon’s management, highlighting the stark contrast between the company’s immense profits and job reductions.

Comments from Management

Beth Galetti, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology, addressed these concerns in a message to staff. She acknowledged the company’s strong performance yet explained the necessity of the cuts, attributing them to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI).

Galetti emphasized the transformative nature of AI.
She remarked on the urgent need for companies to innovate more swiftly.

Reassessment of Workforce Needs

These layoffs are part of a broader strategy to reverse some of the hiring increases from the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2021, Amazon announced the addition of over 10,000 jobs in the UK.

Future Hiring Plans

Despite the cuts, Amazon intends to continue hiring in “key strategic areas.” The company aims to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and prioritize open positions for those affected by layoffs.

Amazon’s statement underscored their commitment to focusing resources on priorities that align with customer needs moving forward. As developments unfold, more information will become available on this situation. Emegypt will provide updates as they occur.