Layoffs at Foote, Cone & Belding/L.A.

LOS ANGELES – Foote, Cone & Belding here laid off eight employees last week. Sources said the cuts were made after The Wherehouse account became inactive and Hot ‘n Now, a division of Taco Bell, moved creative responsibilities to FCB/S.F. The L.A. office retains responsibility for media buying and planning. In a prepared statement, FCB said the cuts reflect ‘our responsibility to keep our resources in balance with our clients’ needs,’ and are ‘unrelated to any specific account.’