Dublin: Planned workforce reductions by Meta Platforms are expected to have a significant knock-on effect on its outsourcing partners, with hundreds of additional jobs now at risk.
Covalen, a third-party firm providing content moderation and AI training services to Meta—parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—has confirmed it is preparing to cut roles. While the company has not officially disclosed the number of affected employees, reports indicate that up to 720 positions could be at risk. A consultation process with staff has already begun.
Meta recently announced plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 8,000 employees. In Ireland, where the company directly employs around 1,800 people, it has not yet clarified how many roles will be impacted.
The potential layoffs follow earlier tensions within the workforce. In November 2025, discussions around job losses suggested that up to 400 positions could be affected. This led to industrial action in January by workers affiliated with the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU).
Union representative John Bohan said many employees are frustrated by the latest developments, describing growing uncertainty among staff.
Covalen stated that it is engaging directly with affected employees and emphasised that support measures, including access to its Employee Assistance Programme, will remain available throughout the process.
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