Microsoft job cuts: 18,000 workers will be gone by June 2015

Microsoft has announced it will axe 18,000 jobs in the firm's biggest ever cull.

The newly integrated Nokia division will bear the brunt of the cuts with 12,500 professional and factory positions deemed to be surplus to requirements.

Employees who will loose their jobs are expected to be informed in the next six months and Microsoft aims to complete the process by 30 June 2015.

In an email to employees, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella claimed the reductions were driven by two factors: work simplification and the integration of the Nokia devices and services team into Microsoft.

"It's important to note that while we are eliminating roles in some areas, we are adding roles in certain other strategic areas. My promise to you is that we will go through this process in the most thoughtful and transparent way possible," he said.

"We will offer severance to all employees impacted by these changes, as well as job transition help in many locations, and everyone can expect to be treated with the respect they deserve for their contributions to this company."

Microsoft isn't the only blue chip company shedding thousands of jobs. HP has let go of 50,000 employees since Meg Whitman took charge in September 2011 in a bid to re-invigorate itself.