Paris, France (AHN) -- France's largest telecommunications firm is setting aside $1.48 billion to fund a stress-reduction program for staff aimed at ending a spate of suicides among its workers.

France Telecom SA revealed the plan Wednesday in the face of lower third quarter profits.

Under the planned program, staff aged over 57 or those who feel full time work is adversely affecting their health will be offered part-time jobs.

Last year, 28 staff of the firm committed suicide. The suicides were blamed on poor working conditions at the company, which is trying to cut cost to meet profit targets.

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