Axa Asia Pacific has laid off 90 staff, citing difficulties in the current economic environment.

The cuts are across the business, but Axa could not confirm last week exactly how many jobs are being shelved in the insurance division.

An Axa spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au the company has to manage its expenses during this challenging time and this is one way to do it.

He says the company is making some organisational changes and it is unfortunate the cuts come just before Christmas.

“We don’t like to make these decisions at any time,” the spokesman said.