April 4, 2009 DES MOINES, Iowa - A layoff by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. is affecting Iowa. Officials say 16 information technology workers in Des Moines are included in the company's decision to cut 480 jobs across the country. Nationwide spokesman Eric Hardgrove says the layoffs were announced and took effect on Friday.
The Columbus-based corporation has eliminated about 3,00 jobs nationally over the past two years. The insurance giant lost $342 million last year as the industry dealt with claims from a high number of hurricanes and a sharp drop in investment returns.
Nationwide is the parent company of Des Moines-based Allied Group. It employs approximately 4,000 in the Des Moines area.