Meta has confirmed plans to cut approximately 8,000 jobs, representing around 10 per cent of its global workforce, as it increasesinvestment in artificial intelligence. The reductions are due to begin on 20 May, according to an internal memo reported byBloomberg.

The company said the cuts are intended to offset rising costs linked to AI infrastructure and hiring. Meta has warned investors that its total expenses could reach between $162 billion (about £120 billion) and $169 billion (£125 billion) in 2026, driven in part by spending on data centres and specialist staff, according to theAssociated Press.

The move comes amid wider changes across the technology sector, where companies are adjusting workforce structures to fund large-scale AI development.Microsoft has also announced plans to offer voluntary buyoutsto thousands of employees in the United States.

Meta is also scrapping plans to hire for around 6,000 open roles, according toCNBC. Resources are being redirected towards engineering and AI-focused teams.

Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has said advances in AI tools are allowing smaller teams to complete tasks that previously required larger groups. The layoffs follow earlier reductions in 2026, including cuts affecting staff in Reality Labs and other divisions.

JUST IN: Meta announces it's laying off 10% of its workforce, as the company plans on AI writing 4x the amount of code as its human engineers this year.

The restructuring is expected to affect roles in areas such as recruitment, administration and operations, where tasks are more easily automated or supported by AI systems.CNBCreported that previous cuts have already impacted teams across Facebook, sales and global operations.

At the same time, demand is increasing for specialised roles in machine learning, data infrastructure and AI engineering. This creates a shift in hiring priorities, with fewer generalist roles replaced by a smaller number of highly technical positions.

$METATO INSTALL TRACKING SOFTWARE ON U.S. EMPLOYEE COMPUTERS TO CAPTURE WORKFLOW DATA FOR AI TRAINING -INTERNAL MEMOMETA TRACKING TOOL TO CAPTURE MOUSE MOVEMENTS, KEYSTROKES AND SNAPSHOTS OF WHAT EMPLOYEES SEE ON THEIR SCREENS -INTERNAL MEMO

The transition may present challenges for employees whose experience does not align with emerging technical requirements, particularly as companies accelerate the use of AI tools to handle routine workflows.

Source: International Business Times UK