Amazon cutting 18,000 jobs as it battles to save costs

The online shopping giant Amazon has announced it plans to cut more than 18,000 jobs – the largest number in the company’s history. 

Globally, Amazon employs around 1.5 million people, and the announcement failed to identify which country the cuts would be in but said they would include Europe. 

Most of the job losses will come from its shops including Amazon Fresh and Go and its human resources division. 

Amazon cutting jobs amid ‘uncertain economy’

Boss Andy Jassy cited the “uncertain economy” for the cuts, saying it had “hired rapidly over several years.” 

“We don’t take these decisions lightly or underestimate how much they might affect the lives of those who are impacted,” he said in a memo to staff.

Jassy says the announcement was bought forward due to one of the firm’s employees leaking the cuts externally. 

“Companies that last a long time go through different phases. They’re not in heavy people expansion mode every year,” he added.

Amazon is the latest big company to announce massive layoffs as the cost of living crisis sees customers cut back on spending. 

Those affected by the cuts are expected to be told by 18 January.