Suncor Energy is planning to cut its workforce over the next 12 to 18 months.

The oil company announced on Friday they’ll be letting go of between 10 to 15 per cent of its workers with around five per cent happening over the next six months.

A conference call was held to share the plans directly to employees.

Spokesperson Sneh Seetal tells Mix News they had plans to reduce the workforce through new technology, innovation, and business practices, however, this was expected to happen down the road.

“Unfortunately, the unprecedented drop in oil prices, the continued impact of the global pandemic and economic slowdown, as well as continued volatility have accelerated those plans.”

Suncor currently employs around 13,000 people across the country.

In addition to Fort McMurray, they have facilities in Montreal, Sarnia Ontario, on the East Coast, and in the United States.

“We’re looking across our workforce across all of our assets at all of our locations,” added Seetal.

The company is looking at offering voluntary buyouts and early retirements before having to start laying people off.