Oracle has yet to confirm reports that it is reducing its overall headcount by about 10 per cent, but staff being made redundant are coming forward with more information.

An Oracle employee said that the firm is taking a while to issue a statement because it has to complete internal HR processes with the staff being laid off before making any public announcement. A statement is likely to be released soon, he said.

It is still unknown exactly how many workers are being asked to leave, but the departments most likely to be affected are Consulting and Sales, according to sources who wish to remain anonymous because they do not want to jeopardise their severance packages.

"My manager would not disclose [the number of staff being cut] to me, but I overheard another laid-off consultant who said his group saw 200 people cut," said one US employee, who added he had received his notice by FedEx on Friday.

It is also still unknown exactly where the cuts are being made. A source told vnunet.com that job losses are occurring in the US and India, but there is still no confirmation on whether the UK will be affected.