Intel says "painful" decision to cut 15,000 jobs is one of the "most consequential changes in its history"
"These decisions have challenged me to my core, and this is the hardest thing I've done in my career."
Intel is cutting 15,000 jobs as part of a swathe of "significant actions to reduce costs" and save $10m in 2025.
CEO Pat Gelsinger said those 15,000 jobs represent 15 percent of its global workforce and come after the computing megacorp reported no profits from the last financial quarter.
Other cost-cutting exercises to make "Intel a leaner, simpler and more agile company" include reducing operating costs, simplifying its portfolio, eliminating complexity, reducing capital, suspending its dividend, and maintaining growth investments.
In a statement, Gelsinger pointed out that four years ago – at the height of the pandemic – Intel's annual revenue was $24bn higher than it is today, despite its workforce swelling by 10 percent across the same period.
"This is painful news for me to share. I know it will be even more difficult for you to read. This is an incredibly hard day for Intel as we are making some of the most consequential changes in our company’s history," Gelsinger said.
"These decisions have challenged me to my core, and this is the hardest thing I’ve done in my career. My pledge to you is that we will prioritise a culture of honesty, transparency and respect in the weeks and months to come."
As part of its efforts to save money, the company will also enhance its retirement and voluntary exit procedures in a bid to reduce its headcount.
Earlier this week, Destiny developer Bungie laid off another 220 staff, representing roughly 17 percent of the studio's workforce. Another 155+ staff are being moved to roles within Sony Interactive Entertainment.
In October last year, the studio laid off 100 staff from its then 1200-strong workforce. That means Bungie has laid off around a quarter of its workforce in the past nine months.