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Amazon aims to shed more than 18,000 roles as it cuts costs, the technology giant's boss says.

He added the announcement was brought forward "because one of our teammates leaked this information externally".

The job cuts amount to around 6% of the company's roughly 300,000-strong corporate workforce, BBC News reports.

Amazon is the latest big technology firm to unveil major layoffs as the cost of living crisis sees customers cut back on spending.

"We are working to support those who are affected and are providing packages that include a separation payment, transitional health insurance benefits, and external job placement support," Amazon's chief executive Andy Jassy said in a message to staff.

The move comes after the technology giant said last year that it would reduce its headcount without putting a figure on how many jobs would be cut.

Mr Jassy did not specify where affected employees were located, but he said the firm would communicate with organisations that represent employees "where applicable in Europe".

He also said the "majority of role eliminations" would be in the Amazon Stores operations and its People, Experience, and Technology team.