OMEN
11-15-2007, 09:37 AM
SYMANTEC has announced layoffs to its 600-strong workforce in Australia and New Zealand just days after assuring staff their positions were safe.
According to sources, employees learnt of the headcount reduction yesterday.
The cuts included workers who had met individual targets but were dragged down by the overall performance of their respective departments.
A local Symantec spokeswoman declined to confirm or deny Wednesday's events but said the timing of job cuts around the world varied by groups and regions.
"All I can say is there are notifications happening this week in some groups and some regions around the world," she said.
"Symantec continues to have a strong focus on controlling its costs and has set cost savings targets for each business function. In some instances, headcount reductions will be implemented as part of the ongoing cost savings initiative.
"Where reductions are happening they are targeted based on the requirements of different groups to meet cost savings targets. The reductions affect less than 3 percent of our worldwide employee base," the spokeswoman said.
Newly installed ANZ chief Craig Scroggie this week told The Australian: "It's important to give our people confidence so they can do their jobs. We will continue to grow and hire where necessary."
Globally, Symantec plans to slash costs by US$200 million ($222 million) through various means including downsizing its workforce.
Last week, Symantec replaced local head David Sykes with Mr Scroggie and its veteran Asia-Pacific channels vice-president John Donovan with Cath Hodgson.
Aus IT
According to sources, employees learnt of the headcount reduction yesterday.
The cuts included workers who had met individual targets but were dragged down by the overall performance of their respective departments.
A local Symantec spokeswoman declined to confirm or deny Wednesday's events but said the timing of job cuts around the world varied by groups and regions.
"All I can say is there are notifications happening this week in some groups and some regions around the world," she said.
"Symantec continues to have a strong focus on controlling its costs and has set cost savings targets for each business function. In some instances, headcount reductions will be implemented as part of the ongoing cost savings initiative.
"Where reductions are happening they are targeted based on the requirements of different groups to meet cost savings targets. The reductions affect less than 3 percent of our worldwide employee base," the spokeswoman said.
Newly installed ANZ chief Craig Scroggie this week told The Australian: "It's important to give our people confidence so they can do their jobs. We will continue to grow and hire where necessary."
Globally, Symantec plans to slash costs by US$200 million ($222 million) through various means including downsizing its workforce.
Last week, Symantec replaced local head David Sykes with Mr Scroggie and its veteran Asia-Pacific channels vice-president John Donovan with Cath Hodgson.
Aus IT