Oak Ridge

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The Oak Ridge National Laboratory plans to eliminate up to 475 jobs in an effort to cope with budget cuts and uncertainty about its financial picture in the future.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports ORNL Director Thom Mason announced a "voluntary separation program" to staff in a message on Thursday. He said financial incentives will be offered to those who willingly leave.

There are currently about 4,500 employees who work at ORNL.

Mason said there's not a specific target for job reductions, though the facility has approval to cut up to 475. He says officials hope "far fewer" are affected.