Amazon on Wednesday confirmed layoffs have started at the company.
The New York Times reported earlier in the week that the company planned to lay off as many as 10,000 employees with a focus on its retail operations and device division, along with human resources.
Amazon has decided to consolidate some teams and programs, according to a message from Dave Limp, senior vice president of devices and services. The company further noted that the positions are corporate and tech, and that roles within its operations network are not included.
Impacted employees were notified on Tuesday.
“As part of our annual operating planning review process, we always look at each of our businesses and what we believe we should change,” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement. “As we’ve gone through this, given the current macro-economic environment (as well as several years of rapid hiring), some teams are making adjustments, which in some cases means certain roles are no longer necessary. We don’t take these decisions lightly, and we are working to support any employees who may be affected.”
The company is assisting those employees in finding new roles internally and, if that is not possible, providing a package that includes a separation payment, transition benefits and external job placement support.
Limp said that the devices and services organization continues to be a focus for Amazon.
Earlier in the month, Amazon said it was pausing hiring in its corporate workforce temporarily in light of an uncertain economy.
