AIKEN, S.C. - About 300 people working at the Savannah River Site near here will be laid off, officials from contractor Westinghouse Savannah River Co. said Thursday.

Westinghouse employees working for the SRS contractor received an email from president Bob Pedde citing the reduction in force. The company had warned workers in October that layoffs were likely ahead.

"I would ask that all of you be particularly understanding of the stress and distraction that job losses can cause for everyone," the email said. "I would ask everyone to maintain your focus on the task at hand and work safely."

The layoffs won't be confined to any particular area, and employees will remain on payroll until at least the end of May, Westinghouse spokesman Will Callicott said.

With the completion of projects and the changing mission, the site needs fewer people, Callicott said.

Westinghouse employs more than 11,000 workers at SRS, the former nuclear weapons complex. Roughly 13,000 people work at SRS.