US computer software manufacturer Microsoft is seeking 60 voluntary redundancies at its European operations centre in Sandyford, Co Dublin.
The redundancies will be from among its warehousing and some shop floor production and supervisory staff following a decision to contract out these activities to three Irish firms.
Microsoft, which employs 940 people in Dublin, said yesterday it was confident that most of the 60 workers affected would be able to secure similar positions within the buoyant computer software industry.
The company has offered an attractive package for employees opting for redundancy, which includes a lump sum payment of eight weeks pay for every year of service. It has also proposed to involve the nearby Irish Management Institute in helping employees to seek other jobs in the industry.
Despite the redundancies, Microsoft stressed yesterday that it intends to take on a further 130 staff at its Sandyford headquarters over the coming months, in response to rising demand for product development and software conversion services.
Microsoft's general manager in Ireland, Mr Rick Post, said these changes will be implemented by next summer and will result in a net increase in its workforce.
The Washington based corporation reported better than expected results in its second quarter earnings this month, sending its shares to record highs on Wall Street.
