IBM lays off 500 workers at Vermont

IBM, the world’s largest provider of computer hardware, laid off 500 workers at its Vermont plant on Monday in an effort to right itself amid steep industry declines, the company said. Another 3,000 workers will be required to take a week off without pay next month, the company said. Spokesman Jeffrey Couture said the layoffs would take effect immediately.

‘‘Essentially we’re doing this because we have not seen a turnaround in our industry,’’ Couture said. The company was ‘‘reacting to a decline in our industry, who themselves are reacting to uncertain conditions.’’ Many of those laid off were in higher-paying positions, the company said.