Allsup laying off 65 employees [Belleville News-Democrat]

Aug. 07--BELLEVILLE -- Local Social Security disability claims company Allsup Inc. is cutting 65 jobs.

Rebecca Ray, director of corporate public relations for Allsup, said employees were being notified Tuesday. She said the cuts affect jobs within different departments at the Belleville-based company.

"We did make every effort not to have to do this," Ray said. "Unfortunately, it came down to making this decision."

Ray said the layoffs are coming as a result of federal budget constraints and changes in the Social Security Administration. She said the company is adjusting and focusing on new business opportunities.

"Allsup remains in full operation and growth mode," she said. "We continue to offer our services and support, and our customers will continue to be provided the services we offer. We take this very difficult step now in our operations to focus on our success and operation in the long term."

Each laid off employee is being offered a severance package and outplacement assistance, Ray said. She also said that after the employee reduction, the company will have a total of about 700 employees.

Belleville-native Jim Allsup founded the privately-held company 30 years ago. It was the country's first nationwide, private, Social Security disability claims company.

Contact reporter Will Buss at [email protected] or 239-2526.

___

(c)2013 the Belleville News-Democrat (Belleville, Ill.)

Visit the Belleville News-Democrat (Belleville, Ill.) at www.bnd.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services