eBay cuts Australian jobs as part of global downsizing

eBay Australia has cut 18 jobs as part of plans to reduce its workforce by 10 per cent, which will see over 1000 people out of work.

With over 16,000 employees worldwide, the online marketplace has cut 1000 permanent positions. It is also cutting hundreds of temporary and part-time jobs, and reducing the number of open positions.

Customer support staff and Account Managers will not be affected by the downsizing.

John Donahoe, eBay president and CEO, said, “While never an easy decision to make, these reductions will help improve our operations and strengthen our ability to continue investing in growth.”

A local spokesman added, “Our priority is to talk to our people to get through what is a difficult day.”

eBay expects that the job cuts will result in pre-tax restructuring charges of about US$70 million to US$80 million, with the charges predominantly recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008.

This is the second round of cuts at eBay this year, with 125 staff cut in European and North American offices this March.