Amazon has announced plans to cut 14,000 corporate jobs globally, citing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence as a major factor behind the decision.
The tech giant did not specify how its 75,000 UK employees will be affected, saying only that impacted teams and individuals would be informed by leadership on Tuesday.
Beth Galetti, Amazon’s senior vice president of people experience and technology, addressed the layoffs in a message to staff, acknowledging criticism over the move given the company’s strong financial performance.
“Some may ask why we’re reducing roles when the company is performing well,” she wrote. “What we need to remember is that the world is changing quickly. This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the internet, enabling companies to innovate faster than ever before.”
Despite the cuts, Amazon said hiring will continue in “key strategic areas” as it focuses investment on what it calls its “biggest bets” and the “current and future needs” of customers. Employees who lose their jobs will be prioritised for other openings within the company, Galetti added.
The announcement comes amid a wave of AI-driven restructuring across the tech industry. Amazon insists the shake-up will streamline operations, “remove layers,” and boost efficiency while maintaining growth in areas such as logistics and innovation. Photo by Mcwesty at English Wikipedia.