Google layoffs: Entire Python team let go for ‘cheaper labour’

In recent weeks, Google has terminated multiple employees as part of its cost-cutting efforts. The most recent layoffs targeted the entire Python team, a move reportedly made to reduce expenses by hiring cheaper labour outside the United States, as reported by the Free Press Journal.

The report saidthat Google would establish a new team in Munich, Germany, to serve as more cost-effective labour.

Python is a sophisticated programming language widely used for various purposes. A post on Mastodon by Social.coop, cited by Hacker News, quoted remarks from a former member of the Google Python team expressing deep disappointment over the layoffs.

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The individual described their two-decade tenure at Google as the best job they've ever had. Another employee expressed anguish at witnessing their entire team, including the manager, being let go and replaced by remote workers overseas.

According to the report, the US Python team, consisting of fewer than 10 members, previously oversaw the majority of Google's Python ecosystem. Their responsibilities included ensuring the stability of Python within Google, keeping it up to date with numerous third-party packages, and developing a type-checker.

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In addition, Business Insider said that Google has reduced stafffrom its real estate and finance divisions. According to the report, Ruth Porat, Google's finance chief, informed employees via email that the restructuring involves expanding operations to Bengaluru, Mexico City, and Dublin.

In January, the big tech company cut hundreds of jobs across various teams, like engineering and hardware. This move was part of their efforts to focus more on investing in and developing artificial intelligence technologies.

(With inputs from agencies)