CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- With Wachovia Corp. officially becoming part of Wells Fargo & Co., employees know that layoffs are around the corner.

The Charlotte Observer reports that Wells Fargo has not given details on the size or timing of layoffs, but a severance plan takes effect Thursday.

Wachovia employees who lose their jobs can expect severance payments based on their years of service and their salary. Employees who make less than $45,000 a year are eligible for six weeks to 16 months of severance pay. Those who make $150,000 or more can collect for between six and 16 months.

Wells Fargo human-resources director Julie White says displaced workers will get help finding jobs in some of the thousands of open positions at the bank.