The US Department of Defense warns that between 5 and 8 percent of civilian employees will have to leave.
“We expect to reduce the department’s civilian workforce by between 5 and 8 percent to streamline and focus the department on the president’s priorities, as well as restore readiness to the force,” said Darin Selnick, acting undersecretary of state for personnel and readiness at the Pentagon, Reuters reported.
Around 5,400 civilian employees will be laid off next week, while a hiring freeze will be introduced.
The reduction in the Department of Defense is part of President Donald Trump’s measures to reduce the number of civilian employees in the United States.