Amazon plans to cut more than 18,000 jobs, the largest number in the firm’s history, as it fights to save costs.
The online giant, which employs 1.5 million people globally, did not say which countries the job cuts would be in, but said they would include Europe.
Most of the job losses will come from its stores, including Amazon Fresh and Go, and its human resources division.
Boss Andy Jessee cited an “uncertain economy” for the cuts, saying he had “hired faster than he’s had in years.”
“We do not take these decisions lightly or minimize how much they can affect the lives of those affected,” he said in a memo to staff.
He said the announcement was made due to an employee of the firm leaking the deductions to the outside.
“Companies that have been around for a long time go through different phases. They’re not in heavy people expansion mode every year,” he added.
Amazon is the latest major technology firm to unveil major layoffs as the cost of living crisis forces consumers to cut costs.
Employees affected by the cuts are expected to be notified by January 18.
The move comes after the tech giant said last year it would cut its headcount without saying how many jobs would be cut.
‘More pain ahead’
The company had already stopped hiring new staff and halted its warehouse expansion, warning that it had overhired during the pandemic.
It has also taken steps to shut down parts of its business, canceling projects such as personal delivery robots.
