PHILADELPHIA — Scott Paper Co., trying to stem a plunge in earnings, said Thursday it will cut about 3,800 workers worldwide, a reduction of more than 10 percent.

About half the layoffs will be in the United States and the rest in 21 other countries where Scott has operations. Most of the jobs will be cut this year, said Scott spokesman Michael Kilpatric.

The company said it reduced its work force by more than 2,000 last year and currently has 37,000 employees.