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Research in Motion Ltd. has confirmed it is again cutting jobs as it looks to trim costs, although it is not yet saying how many employees will go, nor where the axe will fall.

The beleaguered BlackBerry maker said Wednesday the “headcount reductions” are part of its efforts to save at least $1-billion by the end of its current fiscal year.

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“RIM has reduced some positions as part of this program and may continue to do so as the company methodically works through a review of the business,” Nick Manning, a spokesman for RIM, said in an emailed statement Wednesday.

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Some observers suggested that while RIM has to get a handle on its costs, losing staff now may present challenges as it prepares for a critical product launch later this year. The company’s stock sank 4.7% in Toronto and 4.4% in New York trading by midday Wednesday.

“I’d say the timing probably couldn’t be worse,” said Ronald Burke, a professor of organizational studies at York University’s Schulich School of Business, noting that layoffs would undoubtedly affect the morale of those who remain.