Microsoft: MORE job cuts as Skype team slashed in London
HUNDREDS of UK jobs to be lost as office belonging to Windows 10 Skype team closes as part of ongoing company restructuring.
Skype's UK workforce is being hit hard by the move
Microsoft has suffered another major blow with the news that it is closing one of its largest UK offices.
The company has revealed that it will be closing the London office currently used by staff working on its Skype videocalling service.
Hundreds of workers could lose their jobs due to the move, which Microsoft says is part of its bid to consolidate its multiple offices across the capital.
Skype for Business is now one of the core Windows 10 apps
The company said in a statement that, "Microsoft reviewed some London-based roles and made the decision to unify some engineering positions."
"Microsoft will be entering into a consultation process and offer new opportunities, where possible."
"We are deeply committed to doing everything we can to help those impacted through this process."
There's no indication of exactly when the office will close, but workers who keep their jobs will now move to Microsoft's main London office in Paddington.
Microsoft has announced several rounds of job losses recently as the company looks to keep pace with the likes of Google and Apple.
Back in July, the company revealed it would be cutting nearly three thousand jobs from its smartphone division following a long period of decline for its Windows Mobile devices.
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Originally started in Estonia in 2003, Skype was bought by Microsoft for $8.5 billion (£6.5 billion) back in 2011.
The service received a raft of updates as part of the launch of Windows 10 as the rebranded Skype for Business became one of Microsoft's most important apps.
The all-new Skype app improves video chat and conferencing for mobile devices as Microsoft looks to make its software perfect for business use.