Samsung denies layoff reports

Samsung Electronics on Wednesday denied that it was reducing some management support personnel due to its recent weakening earnings.

“The personnel changes were part of our regular staff reshuffle,” said Lee Sang-hoon, president and head of the management support unit. “The relocation is aimed at dispatching more employees to experience field work.”

Samsung plans to relocate some 10 percent of its management support personnel, including those in finance, human resources and public relations, to marketing and sales divisions.

Earlier, some news reports said the relocation was part of the Korean tech giant’s pending restructuring following sluggish profits in recent months.

Industry watchers have also been paying keen attention to whether Samsung announces layoffs, as it could affect Samsung affiliates and other big conglomerates here.

Last year, the company also relocated 15 percent of the management support staff to information technology, mobile and home appliances divisions.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)