DHAKA: Tech giant Microsoft is set to close the London office of its Skype subsidiary with the potential loss of 220 jobs.

The company said it was consolidating its London offices and moving workers to a new site in Paddington.

“Microsoft reviewed some London-based roles and made the decision to unify some engineering positions,” it said, reports the BBC.

The move will potentially put at risk a number of “globally-focused” roles at Skype and Yammer, it added.

Skype was founded in London in 2003 and snapped up by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5bn.

In July, Microsoft said it would be scrapping 2,850 jobs across its business in the fourth quarter of 2016, although it is yet to say when the London Skype office will close.

“Microsoft will be entering into a consultation process and offer new opportunities, where possible,” the company said.

“We are deeply committed to doing everything we can to help those impacted through this process.”

BDST: 2204 HRS, SEP 19, 2016
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