Sun Microsystems, the troubled US computer systems company, took an axe to its workforce on Friday as it reacted to the economic downturn and tried to deal more effectively with deep-seated problems in its business.

The moves will lead to the loss of between 5,000-6,000 jobs, or 15-18 per cent of the company’s workforce, Sun said, making it the most drastic move yet as Silicon Valley responds to the early signs of the downturn.