Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) on Tuesday began making “about five percent” of its UK workforce redundant, after earlier axing staff January. It’s begun a consultation with what would be about 144 of its 2,880 employees here.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft Cutting 58 UK Jobs From Services, Other Departments

A spokesperson told paidContent:UK this is a “second wave” of redundancies as part of January’s main announcement that 5,000 jobs would go across the company globally. The spokesperson said the first wave affected 58 people or two percent of UK staff, and he said further cutbacks couldn’t be ruled out. We don’t yet know from where the cuts are being made.

Microsoft’s statement says it’s “part of the plan ... to reduce costs and increase efficiencies: “We are working closely with affected employees to help them through this difficult transition. While job reductions are always difficult, we need to rebalance resources against our priorities in the current climate and we will continue to evaluate our business to ensure that our investments are aligned to current and future revenue opportunities. We believe in the strength of the company, our ability to continue delivering value to customers and our approach to long-term growth.”