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Meta to begin layoffs from 10 February

Despite the layoffs, Meta is prioritising hiring for machine learning (ML) engineers and other critical engineering roles.

Agencies

Meta Platforms is set to commence global layoffs from 10 February

California, 8 FEB

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to commence global layoffs from 10 February, according to an internal memo cited by Reuters. While thousands of employees worldwide will be affected, local laws in France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands will protect workers in these countries from the job cuts.

The layoffs, which are expected to impact over 3,600 employees, will see notices being issued from 5 am local time in most countries, including the United States. Employees across Africa, Europe, and Asia are also expected to receive termination notices between 11 and 18 February. Unlike previous job cuts, Meta will keep its offices open on 10 February.

Despite the layoffs, Meta is prioritising hiring for machine learning (ML) engineers and other critical engineering roles. A separate memo from Peng Fan, Meta’s VP of Engineering for Monetisation, urged employees to assist in an accelerated recruitment drive from 11 to March 13 February . The initiative aligns with Meta’s strategic priorities for 2025.

The decision to downsize follows an earlier internal note from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who announced a stricter performance-based management approach. He emphasised the need to raise performance standards and remove low-performing employees at a faster pace. Employees who have undergone performance reviews will be included in the cuts, with Meta promising severance packages similar to previous layoffs.