Much less than the 9 to 16 thousand that has been thrown about on the internet since December. But news has hit the street, yes indeed Microsoft is going to lay off 5000 employees. This gives a lot of credibility to Mini-Microsoft this morning who basically posted a warning back in December that something was going to happen.

While many talked about it, there was nothing that anyone could point to until this morning. This is early breaking information that is just now hitting the internet after Microsoft reported its December Quarter (Q2 for Microsoft).

The software maker said that it will cut 5,000 jobs over the next 18 months. Around 1,400 jobs were eliminated immediately. The software maker is also paring other expenses including delaying salary increases and cutting back on vendors and contractors. Source: Cnet

Contractors and Vendors have been cutting back over the last year in anticipation of this news and a general contraction in business in the Seattle area. The loss of blue badges though is going to send a chill through the region in terms of unemployment. This will also bring about another hand wringing about H1B visa holders, as well as outsourcing. This might be a moment for the Washtech union to also take a look at and see what gains they can make.

Overall though, not good for Microsoft employees, the 1400 that will be layed off today, or for people who are looking for a job now, and finding that Seattle has gotten chilly when it comes to technology hiring.