Meta Cuts 350 Irish Jobs; Government Fears Wider Tech Sector Losses Due to AI

Meta cut up to 350 jobs in its Irish operations, approximately 20% of its Irish workforce, as part of global reductions. This number was higher than the initial 10% expected, causing government concern.

Government sources, speaking privately, anticipate further tech job cuts in the coming months due to the rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Industry figures have privately warned ministers that up to 80% of global tech jobs could be lost over the next decade. Taoiseach Micheál Martin acknowledged an "AI trend beginning" and said AI is replacing certain jobs, necessitating the creation of new roles, such as in the life sciences sector.

Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke assured laid-off Meta employees of government support for re-employment and training, noting high demand for their skills. The IDA is also in contact with Meta to support workforce upskilling. Meta is reducing global staff by 10% (around 8,000 jobs) to offset AI investments and boost efficiency. Its Irish workforce has already decreased by 40% from its post-Covid peak of 3,000 to 1,800 staff. The latest layoffs are expected to affect engineering and product teams, with potential further reductions later this year. Meta has reassigned 7,000 workers to AI initiatives and committed over $100 billion to AI capital expenditures this year, making AI its top priority under CEO Mark Zuckerberg.