EDS to slash further 20,000 jobs

EDS plans to cut 15,000 to 20,000 jobs during the next two years, as the struggling technology services giant tries to slash costs and regain its footing.

The estimate was given out by EDS CEO Michael Jordan. Company spokesman Kevin Lightfoot said: "That number can be modified. It is really dependent on how well we transform the business."

The firm has 122,000 employees. It has already cut about 5,000 employees in the past year or so, Lightfoot said. The company is working to trim its annual costs by $3bn through steps including workforce cuts, office consolidation and reduced supply expenses.

EDS has been beset by challenges, including a recent downgrade by Moody's Investors Service of EDS debt to "junk" status, losses from a massive and troubled contract with the US Navy and an ongoing probe by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

The probe covers topics including EDS stock-hedging efforts and the events leading up to its earnings warning for the third quarter of 2002. In addition, the SEC has requested documents related to the Navy contract.

EDS would have posted a net loss for the second quarter this year if not for the sale of a software division.

EDS ousted its former CEO last year. The company brought in former CBS chief Jordan and has been focusing on its core services of application management, IT outsourcing, and so-called business process outsourcing.

Ed Frauenheim wrties for CNET News.com