Sony Corp. will solicit applicants for early retirement from its corporate planning and finance sections at its Tokyo headquarters starting in August as it restructures and cuts costs, sources said Tuesday.
The program is part of a reform plan unveiled in February that includes slashing 1,500 domestic jobs, including those at group companies, by the end of the current business year through next March.
Sony also plans to cut about 3,500 jobs overseas in the same time frame.
People who have been with Sony for at least 10 years and are aged 40 or older can apply for early retirement, the sources said, adding that those in management positions must be at least 45 years old.
The company will solicit applicants until the end of October, with no initial numerical target. Those working in distribution and procurement may also apply for the program.
Sony plans to increase retirement payments for those taking early retirement, depending on the length of their service and their positions, while helping them find jobs, the sources said.