Microsoft freezes hiring in major cloud, sales groups, The Information reports

March 26 (Reuters) – Microsoft executives have in recent weeks told managers at major divisions, including its cloud unit and North American ‌sales groups, to suspend new hiring, The Information reported on ‌Thursday, citing three employees with direct knowledge of the decision.

Executives told managers to halt ​the hiring of any new candidates who did not already have a job offer, citing the need to cut costs and boost margins, the report said.

However, the freeze is not company-wide and other divisions including the group ‌building Microsoft’s Copilot AI ⁠tool are still hiring, according to the report.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The hiring ⁠freeze comes as Microsoft approaches the end of its fiscal year in June. The company, like other tech giants, is looking to rein in costs ​to offset ​hefty investments in AI infrastructure.

Reuters reported ​earlier this month that Meta ‌was planning sweeping…