Re:Absolute numbers (Score 1)

To add to this ... if you have read the original press release with regards to the layoffs, there is a shift in focus from IBM (and no, I don't work for IBM) Yes, they are getting out of manufacturing things in France, but yes, they are also increasing their activities in Professional Services. It's all part of the new IBM vision of being a service company rather than a typewriter manufacturer. While getting rid of people in France and Germany, they're actually increasing the size of their operation in Switzerland. From an internal source in IBM, I have heard that, as a result of the upcoming layoffs, external hiring is not close to impossible, as they will first attempt to move people into open positions before actually laying them off. As a result, those open positions may get filled by less than ideal candidates, because IBM is trying to minimise the social impact. However, what does that do for the manager who's recruiting? He gets a lesser candidate, which will impact the performance of his group during the coming years .... Anyway ... there more than 2 sides to this, so I won't wear out my keyboard about it. Cheers, BrainStop