Microsoft has confirmed that 60,000 members of staff worldwide can apply for a voluntary exit offer, with UK workers among those eligible for the buyout as the tech giant ramps up its AI investment.
The voluntary exit scheme has been extended to staff in the UK, Canada, India and the United States. Microsoft, which has a UK workforce of more than 5,000 people, has declined to specify how many British employees are eligible. However, the firm confirmed that 60,000 members of staff worldwide can apply for the offer.
New scheme announced
Chief people officer Amy Coleman revealed in a blog post on Monday that the scheme was "new" for the firm, adding: "We'll learn from it."
She wrote: "This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support. It also gives participating organisations another way to adapt their workforce to changing needs."
AI investment plans
The announcement follows Microsoft's decision in July to axe 4,800 jobs worldwide, with its Xbox gaming division among those affected, as the company pushes ahead with expanding its AI capabilities. In 2024, Microsoft unveiled a new range of AI-powered personal computers, centred on integrating its AI assistant, Copilot, directly into the Windows operating system.
The following year, the firm pledged to invest £22 billion to boost Britain's AI infrastructure between 2025 and 2028. The investment package included backing for UK start-up Nscale's proposed data centre in Loughton, Essex.
However, last week Microsoft confirmed it had withdrawn from a deal to lease computing capacity, citing concerns that the site would not be connected to the power grid until after 2030.
Commitment to UK investment
Darren Hardman, chief executive of Microsoft UK and Ireland, told the Press Association that the group's UK investment plan "will not change" despite the decision. He said: "When you look at the 30 billion dollar investment between 2025 and 2028, it is a small component of that. We are still fully committed to that investment package."
Mr Hardman emphasised that the tech giant remains "committed" to its partnership with Nscale, with plans to collaborate with the data centre across several sites outside the UK. The boss also revealed to PA that he has held positive discussions with Prime Minister Andy Burnham about potential opportunities linked to AI since he was appointed to the role this summer.
Mr Hardman highlighted Manchester as a shining example of an area where AI adoption is rapidly expanding and bolstering economic growth prospects. Microsoft is set to unveil its latest financial results on Wednesday.
