U.S. oil company ConocoPhillips is laying off employees at its Canadian operations, according to three sources and a company memo reviewed by Reuters, as it moves to cut up to a quarter of its global workforce by next year.

The memo did not specify how many layoffs would take place but said they would begin at the company's Canadian operations in the first week of November.

Employees in Calgary will be notified virtually on Nov. 5 and those in the company's Surmont oilsands operation in northern Alberta and its Montney shale play in British Columbia will be told in person the following day, the memo said.

"We will not be sharing area-specific workforce numbers for current or impacted employees and contractors," ConocoPhillips spokesperson Dennis Nuss said in an email.

Fall in oil price

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