The UK office of one of the world’s leading technology firms, Skype, is to close, it has been reported. “As part of this effort, Microsoft reviewed some London-based roles and made the decision to unify some engineering positions,” a spokesman said. “One of the things that was always a big issue for Microsoft was that big decisions at Skype would usually always be made in Europe, not in Redmond [its US HQ]. Now, it’s a Redmond, Microsoft-led company rather than an independent Skype.”• This article was amended on 17 September 2016. The original incorrectly described Microsoft as the “California-based” tech giant.

Source: The Guardian September 17, 2016 00:25 UTC