Key Takeaways
- Amazon plans to eliminate up to 30,000 corporate jobs globally
- Cuts target HR, operations, devices, services, and AWS divisions
- AI adoption cited as key factor driving workforce reduction
Amazon is preparing to cut as many as 30,000 corporate positions starting this week, according to multiple reports. The massive layoffs represent nearly 10% of the company’s 350,000 corporate employees worldwide.
Targeted Divisions and Global Impact
The job cuts are expected to affect multiple divisions including human resources, operations, devices and services, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS, the world’s largest cloud computing provider, recently experienced disruptions that caused outages for services including HMRC and several UK banks.
Sources indicate the layoffs are part of cost-cutting measures to reverse Amazon’s pandemic-era hiring surge when consumer shopping shifted dramatically online.
AI-Driven Workforce Transformation
CEO Andy Jassy had previously warned employees that artificial intelligence would replace many corporate roles. In June, he stated that increased use of generative AI and autonomous AI agents would reduce corporate workforce size in coming years.
“As we roll out more Generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done. We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs.”
Broader Context and UK Impact
Amazon employs over 1.5 million people globally, with approximately 75,000 in the UK. The company has been gradually reducing roles across various divisions including devices, communications, and podcasting in recent years.
Last month, Amazon announced plans to close all Amazon Fresh grocery stores in the UK, potentially affecting up to 250 jobs. The company has been contacted for comment regarding the latest reported layoffs.
