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Health insurer Aetna has warned employees that layoffs are on the cards.

So far, the Hartford based managed-care company hasn’t suffered the sort of financial catastrophes seen elsewhere in the insurance sector in recent months, although profits were almost halved in the third quarter.

The company does foresee harder times ahead, saying it expects falling enrollment and slower growth in earnings in 2009.  CEO Ronald Williams posted a message to employees Wednesday, telling them to expect “selective reductions in staff”, as part of an effort to reduce costs.  Aetna won’t confirm yet how many posts may go, or where the ax will fall.

The company employs almost seven and a half thousand people in Connecticut – part of a 36,000 strong nationwide workforce.

Aetna says it’s also restricting hiring and cutting down on travel as part of its efficiency drive.