WSJ: More IBM layoffs in U.S.; jobs shifting to India

A big round of layoffs is expected in IBM's U.S. global business services unit, with some of the jobs heading to India, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

The number of jobs affected is unknown and IBM didn't comment on the workforce reduction. But the WSJ points out that the group is the company's largest in both revenue and employment, with 180,000 employees worldwide. Separately, IBM employees' union posted on its site today an alert that job cuts are coming tomorrow and is asking its members to send any information they might have,

The job action goes to show that even companies that are profitable and showing growth are implementing cutbacks and shifting jobs. IBM had a strong fourth quarter and reportedly is in talks to acquire Sun Microsystems.

The company made a round of job cuts back in January. The WSJ said about 4,600 employees in its software, sales, semiconductor and finance groups received notices during that round.