Mitel Networks Corp. cuts hundreds in an attempt to cushion the blow from the global economic downturn. The private company did not disclose the exact number of layoffs, but placed it at less than the 378 associated with its buyout of Arizona-based Inter-Tel in 2007. Affecting employees across the board, from junior staff to senior managers, the belt-tightening measure eliminates jobs at Kanata headquarters, as well as regional offices abroad. CEO Don Smith says the telco is not only reducing staff but has put a freeze on hiring and limited employee travel to keep the company competitive during the slowdown. At last count, Mitel had 2,918 employees worldwide, about a quarter of which work in Ottawa and across Canada.