WASHINGTON — U.S. wireless carrier Verizon on Thursday said it will cut more than 13,000 jobs in its largest single layoff as it works to shrink costs and restructure operations.

Verizon also said it plans to convert 179 corporate-owned retail stores into franchised operations and close one store.

The company said in a filing that it expects to record a severance charge of $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion in the fourth quarter and that more than 80% of the affected employees will leave next month. Verizon shares fell 1% on Thursday.

Verizon’s new CEO, Dan Schulman, said in a note to employees the company would reduce its workforce by more than 13,000 employees across the organization, and significantly reduce outsourced and other outside labor expenses.

“Our current cost structure limits o

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