(Yicai Global) March 28 -- Chinese e-commerce giant JD.Com has rebutted reports about mass lay-offs. 

The news about 400 staff members leaving JD.Com in a day is utterly a lie, Phoenix New Media's online news outlet reported, citing the Beijing-based firm.

JD.Com's staff allegedly waited in a long line to give as many as 400 resignation letters during one day, some netizens claimed on the web.

The fake news has affected the company's reputation and violated laws, and JD.Com will sue the parties behind the act of defamation, according to its statement. 

JD.Com has recruited over 1,300 graduates this year and they will start working in the next three months, it added. The firm also plans to offer 1,5000 more vacant posts this year.

The company will lay off its worst-performing senior executives, or 10 percent of those above the level of vice president, this year, the company announced in February. The firm fended off rumors about lay-offs at the end of last year as well, citing normal personnel changes. 

Editor: Emmi Laine