Meta, parent of Facebook and Instagram, is set to lay off around 8,000 employees, nearly 10 per cent of its global workforce, as part of a broader restructuring effort driven by rising investments in artificial intelligence.
The decision was communicated through an internal memo sent by Chief People Officer Janelle Gale, confirming that the layoffs will take effect on May 20, as reported by Bloomberg.
The memo surfaced after weeks of speculation about workforce reductions at the Mark Zuckerberg-led company.
In addition to cutting jobs, Meta will also halt hiring for approximately 6,000 open positions. Gale acknowledged the uncertainty caused by the announcement, noting the company chose to address employees directly after details leaked to the media.
The layoffs are part of Meta’s effort to streamline operations and redirect resources toward high-priority investments, primarily in AI infrastructure. Reports suggest the company is spending billions in this space as it prepares for a future where AI plays a central role in work.
Affected employees will receive severance packages. In the US, this includes 16 weeks of base pay plus two additional weeks for every year of service, along with 18 months of healthcare coverage. Support will also include career assistance and immigration help where needed.
This marks another round of job cuts for Meta, following earlier layoffs across divisions including Reality Labs. Further reductions may follow, with reports indicating total cuts could reach up to 20% of the company’s workforce.
