Microsoft may cut 60 jobs in Dublin

Microsoft Ireland would not comment on reports yesterday that it is poised to make up to 60 staff redundant at its Dublin offices.

The software firm, which employs about 1,700 staff at its European Operations Centre in Sandyford, will report financial results on Thursday and may announce job cuts later this week.

The e-zine ElectricNews.net reported yesterday that Microsoft was finalising a plan to cut back on its localisation workforce - staff employed to translate software into other European languages.

Some departing workers would have the opportunity to apply for work in other areas of the company, while other staff members may be given the chance to relocate to Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, said the website, citing informed sources.

Workers that are not redeployed will be offered a redundancy package. The job cuts were being made as part of an efficiency plan at the company, said the site.

A Microsoft Ireland spokeswoman would not comment.

However, last year Microsoft chief executive, Mr Steve Ballmer, said Microsoft jobs would "come and go" in the Republic, but overall the company was committed to its base here. Microsoft operates three businesses in Ireland - a European operations centre, a European product development centre, and its Irish sales, marketing and services group.

Apart from its headquarters in Washington, the company's Irish facility is its second largest in the world, alongside the Microsoft operation in Japan. Any job cuts in the Republic would come at a time when the firm has said it is committed to expanding its global workforce by about 5,000 people. Currently, Microsoft employs 50,000.