Microsoft suspends new hiring in Azure cloud, sales groups, The Information says

In recent weeks, Microsoft (MSFT) executives told managers at major divisions, including its Azure cloud and North American sales groups, to suspend new hiring, three current employees with direct knowledge of the decision told The Information. The Microsoft hiring freeze isn’t companywide and other departments, including the engineering division building Copilot, are still hiring, according to another employee, the report said. It’s not uncommon for Microsoft to slow hiring or even lay off staff toward the end of its fiscal year in June, but Microsoft’s cost-conscious approach reflects a broader attitude throughout tech, the report added.