Up to 300 GlobeTech workers in Cork lost their jobs when Apple pulled the plug on the controversial Siri listening operation.

Globetech contracted staff to listen to and grade recordings from the Apple voice assistant, Siri. The workers were stood down earlier this month when Apple halted the listening project amid claims that people’s privacy had been violated.

Concerns remained over the future for the workers.

In a statement to The Echo, Apple said they will be restarting the Siri grading program again on an opt-in basis.

“Apple has been operating in Ireland for 40 years and we are deeply committed to developing the economy and creating jobs."

"Our headquarters in Cork will be a primary site for our opt in Siri grading program which will restart this autumn."

"As we build our team, our priority will be to consider hiring contractors who were doing this work before we suspended the program. We are taking this process very seriously to ensure we serve the best interests of our partners, employees and customers.”