Worthing First News

The latest news from Worthing First....

Norwich Union - Office to close 05/06/2008

HUNDREDS of staff at insurance giant Norwich Union are to lose their jobs after the company announced it is to leave its Broadwater home.
The company said today (Friday, June 6), that it would end its insurance operations at The Warren, in Warren Road, within the next two years, resulting in more than 660 job losses.

Around 100 staff at the office not affected by the changes will move to a smaller office within the town.

The Warren office will close by the end of 2010.

The mother of a fraud investigator told she would be losing her job said: "She's been crying to me on the phone. She's got a mortgage. It's really sad.

"In this economic environment at the moment, it's not going to be easy finding another job.

"It's going to have a massive impact on the community."

A statement said there was an increased numbers of customers buying insurance online and the company had become "complex", with too many products, processes, systems and offices.

It said insurance operations would be centralised into seven "centres of excellence" across the country.

The changes are scheduled to take place over two years, with up to 1,800 job losses across the country.

Story from Worthing Herald

Norwich Union: "Leak" prompted shock announcement

NORWICH Union admitted it was axing 660 jobs and leaving its Broadwater office after the scheme was leaked to a national newspaper.
Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing, said the scheme was due to be unveiled in around a month's time but the revelation it had been leaked to a newspaper meant the plans were publicised.

"It's very bad news," said Mr Loughton. "I've spoken to the company this morning. The announcement came out today because it was leaked. It wasn't due to come out for another month.

"Their hand was forced by a leak to a national newspaper. Some time in the next four weeks we will have a proper briefing, rather than the rushed thing we have had this morning."

Meanwhile, reaction has been flooding into the newsdesk.

Staff-member Marcus Franklin wrote:

"Fortunately, I am one of the lucky few that are being relocated to another site. I have heard many refering to ourselves as 'The Aviva 100'

"The general mood around the building is of a sombre tone, many are in disbelief, however many are also in high spirits, trying to view the situation in a positive manner.

"One thing is clear this move will have an huge impact on many people & families in the surrounding area.

"We will however all support the less fortunate amongst us and work together as one team to get through this difficult time."

Graham Goddard, Unite Deputy General Secretary, wrote: "Unite is angry today to learn that Aviva is to cut 1,800 jobs across the country.

"This news for staff that their jobs are now in jeopardy is truly devastating.

"The Aviva workforce from the general insurance arm now faces uncertainty about their future.

"Unite the union will now be meeting with management in order to discuss the implications of this news and ensure that staff are fully supported throughout the distressing process.

"Aviva general insurance is rapidly withdrawing their commitment to local communities and isolating themselves in a small number of cities.

"The suggestion that employees will be able to relocate appears to be inconceivable for most of those affected."

Story from Worthing Herald

More relevant stories from Worthing Herald HERE:

Norwich Union - the path to closure | MPs 'not told' about Norwich Union departure | Norwich Union jobs shock: More reaction