In a statement posted to the 10 Downing Street website, the government has announced that Microsoft will be creating an additional 4,000 jobs in the UK in 2011.
The move is a part of the software-giant's Britain Works programme, which has helped to generate 9,000 highly skilled positions and apprentiships since it was launched in 2009. It also helps to train individuals so that they have the skill set required for these very technical positions.
The announcement is a part of a larger programme designed to encourage private sector firms to create new jobs. David Cameron noted that "we can only get our economy back on track by creating a climate in which the private sector can grow and develop, creating jobs and opportunities for people across the country".
As one door opens, though, another inevitably closes. In an unrelated press release - in the form of an open e-mail to employees - CEO Steve Ballmer announced that Microsoft exec Bob Muglia would be leaving the company.
Muglia has been at the company for 23 years and currently heads up the Server and Tools Business (STB) - the 'other' $15 billion business, alongside Windows and Office. Despite being a relatively 'quiet' part of the company's portfolio, the STB business has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, and this trend has only continued under the Microsoft veteran's stewardship.
Nonetheless, Ballmer "decided that now is the time to put new leadership in place" as the company moved "forward into the era of cloud computing". This is despite the fact that "Bob has been a phenomenal partner throughout this process, and he and his leadership team have the right strategy in place".
Despite this seemingly positive endorsement, Muglia will be vacating his office this summer.
