Yahoo confirms layoffs; fewer than expected are handed pink slips

The layoffs are now official. Yahoo today handed out pink slips to 4 percent of its workers, or about 560 people, according to reports.

The layoffs had been expected, though earlier estimates put the number a tad bit higher. In a statement posted on the TechCrunch blog, the company said:

Today’s personnel changes are part of our ongoing strategy to best position Yahoo! for revenue growth and margin expansion and to support our strategy to deliver differentiated products to the marketplace. We’ll continue to hire on a global basis to support our key priorities. Yahoo! is grateful for the important contributions made by the employees affected by this reduction. We are offering severance packages and outplacement services to these employees.