HP confirms 7,000 workers to go across Europe

Meg Whitman

HP has confirmed fresh plans to lay off 7,095 workers within Europe, as part of its wider restructuring that will see 29,000 made redundant through to the end of 2014.

The PC maker said it made the decision earlier this week, as it wanted to address "current market and business pressures" in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

"HP expects approximately 7,095 employees to exit the company or to be re-deployed into new roles that better fit the future needs of the company and its customers," the firm told IT Pro in an email.

"Workforce reduction plans will vary by country, based on local legal requirements and consultation with works councils and employee representatives, as appropriate.

More than 33,000 could be facing the chop overall.

"The restructuring plan further advances HP's organisational re-alignment to deliver a more agile and responsive business model in the region, streamlining processes, advancing innovation and creating efficiencies for the benefit of customers, shareholders and employees.

"HP will also be taking steps to help affected employees during this transition."

Customers will see no difference in the quality of service, HP promised.

Like a number of its rivals, HP has had to adjust to a world where PC sales are in decline and cloud services are becoming increasingly popular. HP has also haemorrhaged money with costly purchases, such Autonomy, resulting in an $8 billion write-down.

Meg Whitman, the CEO overseeing HP's streamlining, said no other major layoffs would take place outside of the 29,000. However, in a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, HP said layoffs could be 15 per cent greater or lesser than 29,000.

More than 33,000 could be facing the chop overall.

Tom Brewster

Tom Brewster is currently an associate editor at Forbes and an award-winning journalist who covers cyber security, surveillance, and privacy. Starting his career at ITPro as a staff writer and working up to a senior staff writer role, Tom has been covering the tech industry for more than ten years and is considered one of the leading journalists in his specialism.

He is a proud alum of the University of Sheffield where he secured an undergraduate degree in English Literature before undertaking a certification from General Assembly in web development.