Allstate lays off 109 IT workers

Northbrook-based Allstate Insurance Co. said Thursday it has laid off 109 area employees in its information technology department as it re-evaluates its resources and on-going projects.

The affected workers, who were in a variety of IT positions in local offices, were given a 60-day notice that started last week. They also received severance packages and job placement services.

A memo written by Allstate's head of Information Technology, Catherine Brune, said the 109 workers were not matched or assigned to projects, which lead to the reduction in work force.

Allstate is undergoing a "prioritization process within its technology function to better focus resources on the projects that provide the greatest benefit to our customers and to run the business more effectively and efficiently," company spokesman Jonathan Friedman said.

"This prioritization process could potentially displace less than 3 percent of our information technology staff," Friedman said.

Allstate last underwent restructuring in January 2006 when about 700 workers accepted voluntary buyouts.

Allstate has roughly 35,900 workers overall as of July 2007, the latest number available, Friedman said.