As Juul Labs looks to repair its reputation amid a growing number of vaping related illnesses, the company reportedly has plans in place to cut 500 jobs by the end of the year.

Juul confirmed the job cuts to CNBC in a statement saying they were part of a broader review of the company’s practices and policies by its CEO K.C. Crosthwaite, as the company undergoes a broader reorganization plan. As part of this plan, Juul said it will cut its marketing budget and invest in efforts to limit vaping by underage users, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The company reorganization, according to Crosthwaite, “will help Juul Labs focus on reducing underage use, investing in scientific research, and creating new technologies while earning a license to operate in the U.S. and around the world.”

A Juul spokesperson said the job cuts would occur across various departments with severance packages offered to all employees, along with their prorated eligible bonuses.

The job cuts will affect about 10% to 15% of Juul’s staff of 4,100 employees, which was reportedly growing at a rate of 300 workers a month. Juul began as a startup in 2015 with a valuation late last year of $38 billion.

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Juul products are not as safe as some think. Electronic cigarettes and pods by Juul, the nation's largest maker of vaping products, are offered for sale at the Smoke Depot on Sept. 13, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. Scott Olson/Getty Images
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