Microsoft won't rule out more job cuts

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 5 May 2009 at 16:55

Steve Ballmer has confirmed that Microsoft "is mostly, but not all done" with job cuts, as the second round of layoffs begins.

Ballmer was speaking to staff in an emailed statement and expressed his regrets at the cuts, but refused to rule out further job losses.

"This is difficult news to share. Because our success at Microsoft has always been the direct result of the talent, hard work, and commitment of our people, eliminating positions is hard," he writes.

"As we move forward, we will continue to closely monitor the impact of the economic downturn on the company and if necessary, take further actions on our cost structure including additional job eliminations."

Ballmer promised to provide support for those laid off, noting that cuts would take place in the US as well as in other countries.

"I want to re-emphasise how much I appreciate the way you have pulled together to help the company respond to this difficult economic environment... Thank you for your continued hard work, commitment, and focus."

Microsoft will be hoping the second round of cuts goes smoother than the first. The company axed 1,400 jobs back in February and accidentally overpaid redundancy pay to laid off staff.

It then compounded the error by asking for the money back, before the public backlash forced it to withdraw its claim.