Lucent Plans Another Round of Layoffs

Lucent Technologies Inc. plans yet another round of job cuts, Chief Executive Henry Schacht told employees as the struggling telecommunications equipment maker disclosed that more than 8,500 workers had accepted an early-retirement offer.

The company had offered buyouts to more than 10,000 U.S. employees--mostly mid-level managers but also a small number of nonunion clerical workers--last month.

The number of workers targeted for the next round of cuts, the third since January, should be determined and announced by the end of September after executives work out “a more streamlined model” for the company, spokesman Bill Price said.

Lucent shares rose 81 cents to close at $6.86 on the New York Stock Exchange.