Nationwide intends to eliminate the jobs of about 1,100 employees across the country _ around 3.6 percent of its workforce.

The insurance and financial services company says about 80 workers in Des Moines and 350 in Columbus, Ohio, were told Tuesday that their jobs would be eliminated by the end of March. The remaining workers affected will be informed in the coming weeks.

Nationwide says the employees will receive severance pay and other support, and they can apply for company jobs elsewhere. Nationwide is based in Columbus.

The job cuts will occur mostly in information technology, marketing, property and casualty operations and bank organizations.

Nationwide says it is taking advantage of new technologies as it positions the organization for long-term success and growth.