According to reports, after Nokia finalizes its tie-in with Microsoft on Thursday, it will lay off 4,000 people around the world by the end of 2012; countries like Denmark, Finland and UK are going to be affected, according to Nokia.

Also, the Company will transfer its Symbian software activities and 3,000 staff to Accenture by the end of this year, this is also said to affect India, Finland, China, UK and US.

Nokia’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Elop, has referred to their actions as a “difficult reality” and that they are working closely with partners and employees to initiate a long-term re-employment programme for their talented staff.

The company further stated that “Accenture would provide mobility software, business and operational services around the Windows Phone platform to Nokia and other ecosystem participants”.

Accenture already handles Symbian Professional Services, which provides engineering, customer support for handset manufacturers and service providers.

The transfer has been reported to be a show of Nokia’s commitment to provide their Symbian employees with potential new career opportunities. Also the company stated it would consolidate its research and product development site, to define their role and mission.