The National Institutes of Health issued a new wave of layoffs Friday, affecting around 200 staff across the agency, including approximately 50 from the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) communications office. The move surprised employees, who were previously told no further cuts were planned following an initial round in April.
Some layoffs came just one day after NCI staff met with leadership to discuss consolidating communications under a centralized NIH structure. Those let go had overseen services like the Cancer Information Service, which assists patients and doctors, and managed key provider databases.
An HHS spokesperson said fewer than 250 NIH employees were notified and that the agency will reassign an equal number to critical areas. The decision, according to HHS, was part of an effort to meet layoff targets while reinstating certain scientists.
NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has not commented. Officials say the restructuring is aimed at cutting waste and enhancing the agency’s effectiveness. However, many workers were caught off guard and expressed deep frustration with the process.
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CBS News – MBFC Rating
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