Amazon’s AWS cloud computing unit cuts jobs

[SAN FRANCISCO] Amazon cut jobs in its Amazon Web Services cloud computing unit on Thursday (Jul 17), a spokesperson confirmed following a Reuters inquiry.

“We’ve made the difficult business decision to eliminate some roles across particular teams in AWS,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “These decisions are necessary as we continue to invest, hire, and optimize resources to deliver innovation for our customers.”

Several employees told Reuters they had received emails on Thursday morning that told them they had been terminated and their computers were being deactivated.

While the full scope of the layoffs could not be determined, at least one group, known as “specialists,” was affected. Specialists work with customers to help create new product ideas and sell existing products.

At least hundreds of people were let go, according to two people familiar with the matter, but Amazon declined to provide a more accurate number. Several groups within AWS were part of the Thursday layoffs, Amazon said. REUTERS