Charter Communications, which is based here in Connecticut, is laying off roughly 1,200 employees, about 1% of its workforce, affecting corporate and back-office roles at its Stamford headquarters and other locations. No sales or service staff are expected to be impacted. The move comes as Charter prepares to merge with Atlanta-based Cox Communications, with the combined company retaining its Stamford headquarters. Charter, which employs around 95,000 people nationwide, will continue operating under the Spectrum brand. The company plans to report third-quarter financial results on October 31.