Google workers stage demonstration outside King's Cross headquarters accusing the tech giant of 'appalling treatment and union busting' amid fears of 500 UK job losses

• e-mail

Hundreds of angry employees gathered outside the London headquarters of Google to protest layoffs. 

Unite encouraged staff to join a protest against 'sackings and union busting' and 'appalling treatment' at the King's Cross offices at midday on Tuesday. 

It comes after Google's parent company Alphabet announced plans in January to make about 12,000 workers redundant across its global operations, which Unite, the biggest union at the company, fears could lead to about 500 UK job losses. 

Senior management at the search engine have been in redundancy talks across Europe since the announcement. 

Staff in Zurich staged a similar walkout in March after employees said the internet company had rejected proposals to save jobs. 

Workers protest 'appalling treatment' at a demonstration outside the Google UK headquarters in King's Cross, London

The union said the UK management at Google had ignored concerns put to them by Unite representatives (protests outside the London HQ)

Google currently employs more than 5,000 people in the United Kingdom.  

Unite, which is the biggest union at Google, accused the internet giant of refusing to listen to staff grievances on the redundancy process and of forcing workers with disabilities to get doctors notes to allow colleagues to attend in their place. 

It said the UK management at Google had ignored concerns put to them by Unite representatives and closed a collective consultation process on redundancy process.  

The union added that it believes the search engine is trying to limit legal representation for workers, as staff have been told they can only use solicitors on a list 'approved by the company' if they wish to receive legal costs. 

The company, which employs 5,000 people in the United Kingdom, has been accused of treating staff 'appallingly' 

A company-wide email sent on April 4 by finance chief Ruth Porat explained the employee benefits that will be cut in cost-saving measures 

The company's goal for 2023 is to 'deliver durable savings through improved velocity and efficiency' (protestor in London on April 4) 

Unite regional officer Matt Whaley said: 'Google's treatment of staff and attempts at union-busting during the redundancy consultation process are appalling and potentially unlawful.

'Our members are clear: Google needs to listen to its own advice of not being evil. 

'They and Unite will not back down until Google allows workers full union representation, engages properly with the consultation process and treats its staff with the respect and dignity they deserve.'

A Google spokesman said: 'As we said on January 20, we've made the difficult decision to reduce our workforce by approximately 12,000 roles globally. We know this is a very challenging time for our employees.

'In the UK, we have been constructively engaging and listening to our employees through numerous meetings, and are working hard to bring them clarity and share updates as soon as we can in adherence with all UK processes and legal requirements.'

Earlier on April 4, Google finance chief, Ruth Porat, penned a rare company-wide email explaining how the tech giant is introducing measures to cut employee services in an effort to reduce expenses.

The company's goal for 2023 is to 'deliver durable savings through improved velocity and efficiency.'

Porat detailed how Google is cutting back on everything from fitness classes for its employees to office basics from staplers and tape while also reducing the frequency of laptop replacements for its workers.

Other cost-cutting measures have seen Google refusing to pay the remainder of laid-off employees' maternity and medical leaves.

In her email, Porat stated how the layoffs were 'the hardest decisions we've had to make as a company.'

She noted that the cost-cutting measures were vital due to recent growth, a challenging economic environment, and the need for investment opportunities to drive technology forward, particularly in AI.

Google reported £3.4 billion in turnover and a profit of £896 million in the 18 months to the end of December 2021 and paid £200 million in UK corporation tax.