Redmond WA - Software giant Microsoft announced it will be laying off five thousand staff as result of the economic slowdown. The announcement followed close on the heels off Apple announcing that Steve Jobs was taking a leave of absence due to a hormone imbalance.
Apple has accused Microsoft of trying to confuse the public with their announcement as well as watering down the importance of Steve Jobs to their organization.
"Microsoft is trivializing Mr. Jobs value to Apple by suggesting that they can lay-off five thousand jobs."
"To lose Mr. Jobs is serious blow to our company. Microsoft's actions are callous and insensitive to Mr. Jobs, his family and our company."
Mr. Jobs was reported to be instant messaging and unavailable for comment.
