Internet firm Yahoo!'s offices worldwide will remain shut from 25^th December through 1^st January as part of a cost-cutting measure, reports PTI.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Yahoo! is shutting down its offices, except for 'essential functions', for about a week, as the company searches for new ways to cut costs during the recession.

Apart from Yahoo!, other companies like Adobe and Apple would also close their offices during the holidays. Adobe and Apple would close their offices from 24^th December to 1^st January.

The Internet company's move is its first mandatory world-wide shutdown, although it has encouraged US employees to take the week off in the past, the report said, citing Yahoo! spokeswoman Dana Lengkeek.

"Shutting down during a traditionally slow week allows employees to recharge, and the company to reduce operating costs for the week," the daily quoted Lengkeek as saying.

The report noted that US employees can use vacation time or take unpaid leave for the days not covered in the holiday schedule, while employees from outside the US would be paid as per the local laws.

Yahoo! has already laid off about 700 people in spring as a cost-cutting move.
— Yogesh sapkale