Major insurer
Ageas will proceed with the closure of its business in Lanarkshire, Scotland, which will lead to the dismissal of 521 employees.
The company informed workers at Kwik Fit Insurance Services on Thursday that the site will be shut down on March 31.
Ageas first proposed the office closure in November, saying it was a result of changes in market operations and in the way people buy insurance.
The insurer said it found no alternative options even after a 45-day consultation with employees. Ageas also met with economic development agency Scottish Enterprise and the North Lanarkshire Council, but no workable proposals developed.
Ant Middle, CEO Ageas Direct & Partnerships, stated that conversations with third parties have led to a significant number of job opportunities in the local area for the Kwik Fit workers.
“It’s with regret that we have decided to close our Uddingston office and we know our employees will be disappointed with this news,” Middle said.
“However, after talks with third parties, around 40 contact centre-based organisations have expressed strong interest in our workforce, with more than 1,800 relevant role opportunities being identified so far,” he added.
Ageas has asked the government-backed service Partnership Action for Continuing Employment for its help to provide employees with advice on dealing with redundancy and finding alternative employment.
It is also tapping Penna outplacement services while setting up onsite recruitment fairs with local businesses.
“I know this has been a difficult and unsettling time for all of our employees and I want to thank each of them for their professionalism throughout the process. I hope that the additional services we are providing will prove valuable,” Middle said.
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