Microsoft to close factories in Beijing and Dongguan   

微软将关闭北京东莞手机厂

(ECNS) -- Microsoft's mobile phone factories in Beijing and Dongguan, Guangdong province are to close in three months, Beijing Morning Post reported.

The move is part of company plans to cut 18,000 jobs worldwide, with facilities set for closure connected to Nokia's mobile phone manufacturing operation.

It has been estimated that over 1,000 employees will be made redundant.

Microsoft has required factory employees to sign and terminate their labor contracts before January 6, 2015. Those who refuse to sign before the required date will have their contracts unilaterally terminated, following compensation in accordance with labor regulations.