Google to axe 1,200 more jobs at mobile arm

Internet giant Google it to slash a further 1,200 jobs at its Motorola Mobility division in a bid to return the smartphone maker to profitability.

The cuts come on top of 4,000 job losses announced in August as Google aims to make more high-end smartphones and fewer basic handsets.

A spokeswoman said: “These cuts are a continuation of the reductions we announced last summer. It’s obviously very hard for the employees concerned, and we are committed to helping them through this difficult transition.”

Google, which makes the Android operating system for smartphones, completed its $12.5 billion (£8.3bn) purchase of Motorola Mobility in May.

According to an email sent to staff, the latest cuts will affect workers in China, India and the US.