Apple is preparing to layoff thousands of retail workers as part of a broader cost-cutting effort

Apple has told managers at some of its stores to begin laying off workers in an effort to cut costs and reorganize retail operations, according to two people briefed on the effort.<br><br>The company is looking to trim labor costs and expand its contract with an outside staffing firm as part of a companywide effort to save billions of dollars. The direct layoffs could affect thousands of workers, the sources said.<br><br>Apple officials have told retail employees that the cuts will be made “across the board,” the source said. The affected workers are those who were hired since 2020 and work under Apple’s at-will policy, which allows employees to be let go without notice or cause, the source said.<br><br>Affected workers who were hired before 2020 will continue to receive pay and benefits for 90 days after their last day of work, the source said. Those hired after 2020, however, will be cut loose on their last day, the source said.