IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho National Laboratory contractor has laid off 101 employees and more cuts are expected. Battelle Energy Alliance announced in December it would cut its workforce by at least 300 employees, citing budget concerns, increased costs and competitiveness.

In addition to the recent layoffs, 114 people have taken voluntary separations and 60 employees have left through attrition. That is about 7 percent of the workforce. Additional layoffs are expected due to the automatic federal budget cuts that took effect March 1.

The Post Register reports those cuts mean up to 84 additional employees could lose their jobs. Battelle has until late March to provide a plan on how to make the cuts, which must be approved.

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