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Sun carves off a few more UK, US workers
Little here, little there
After being slow to act, Sun Microsystems appears to have its layoff machine fully tuned, sending workers packing in the UK and California.
Sources in the UK bring word that 69 staffers felt the pain of the axe today. The cuts aren't said to be contained to a single division or function but rather selective moves across a broad range of Sun businesses. Sun shelved 200 staffers in the UK and Ireland back in May. These cuts were focused and went right at the heart of a server division.
Closer to home, Sun has cleared the path for hundreds of layoffs at its Newark, California offices. Information provided by Alameda County shows that Sun plans to trim its staff twice in September and then once in October.
All of these cuts are part of the grand 3,300 worker dismissal Sun announced in April. Sun has taken its time getting rid of these staffers and has vowed to increase the pace of the firings. The word from the UK and US seems to back up this sentiment.
The company has been pressured over the past two years by analysts to cleave off large chunks of its workforce. Sun managed to eke out a rare profit in its last quarter on the back of the Microsoft settlement and believes that the firings along with a real estate consolidation can bring back steady profitability. ®
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