Microsoft has opened a voluntary exit offer to around 60,000 employees worldwide, including staff in the UK, as the company continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence.
The tech giant confirmed that 60,000 members of staff globally can apply for the buyout scheme, which was extended to workers in the UK, Canada, India and the United States. Microsoft, which employs more than 5,000 people in the UK, has not disclosed how many workers in the country are eligible.
New move for the company
Chief people officer Amy Coleman said in a blog post on Monday that the move 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."
In July, Microsoft announced 4,800 job cuts worldwide, with its Xbox gaming arm among those affected.
AI investment plans
The buyout offer comes as the firm ramps up its AI capabilities. In 2024, Microsoft launched a new class of AI-imbued personal computers that centred on fusing its AI assistant, called Copilot, into the Windows operating system for PCs.
The following year, the firm said it would invest £22 billion to help fund an expansion in Britain's AI infrastructure between 2025 and 2028. Part of the investment plan included support for UK start-up Nscale's proposed data centre in Loughton, Essex.
Data centre deal pulled
Last week, Microsoft confirmed that it had pulled out of a deal to lease computing capacity after concerns that the site will not have access to the power grid until after 2030.
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 stressed that the firm is also still "committed" to its relationship with Nscale, with plans to work with the data centre on a number of sites outside of the UK. He also told 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 pointed to Manchester as a positive example of an area of the UK where AI adoption is rapidly growing and helping to support economic growth prospects. Microsoft is due to reveal its latest financial results on Wednesday.
