The company declined to comment on the total number, but the workforce reductions appear far-reaching. Internal communications on the Slack corporate messaging service suggest the numbers will be in their thousands.

"This was far ranging -- and historical employment ratings, age and seniority did not seem to matter", one staffer said.

Company spokesman Ed Barbini said in a statement that Big Blue’s work in a highly competitive marketplace required flexibility to constantly add high-value skills to its workforce.

“While we always consider the current environment, IBM's workforce decisions are in the interest of the long-term health of our business", he said.

IBM is offering subsidised medical coverage to all affected US employees through June 2021.