Amazon lays off more than 18,000 employees: CEO

Amazon lays off more than 18,000 employees: CEO "The majority of role eliminations take place in our Amazon stores and PXT organizations," says Andy Jassy

WASHINGTON: U.S. e-commerce giant Amazon will lay off more than 18,000 employees, CEO Andy Jassy said Wednesday. 

“Between the cuts we made in November and the ones we're sharing today, we plan to cut just over 18,000 roles,” Jassy said in a release. “Several teams are affected; 

however, the majority of role eliminations are happening in our Amazon Stores and PXT (People, Experience, and Technology) organizations,” 

he said. “We are working to support those affected and are offering packages that include a separation allowance, transitional health insurance benefits and outside job placement support,” Jassy added.

The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that more than 17,000 jobs would be cut. The layoffs are focused on the corporate ranks of the company, it said. 

In November, the Seattle-based company announced it would begin laying off its corporate workforce. The cuts have been focused on the appliance business, recruiting and retail, according to the report. 

According to the Journal, the company employed 1.5 million people as of September, a large percentage of whom worked in its warehouses.