Job fears at major employer
THERE were fears this week that jobs could be at risk at the Norwich Union call centre in Bishopbriggs, after its owners announced cost cutting plans.
Aviva want to make savings of 300million across the UK over the next two years, to allow them to operate in a more competitive market.
The insurance company, which has a 3,200-strong Scottish workforce, has not confirmed how many jobs will be cut, or from what offices.
But there are growing fears that the Bishopbriggs call centre, which employs just under 700 staff, could be hit.
East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson said: "The news will come as a worry for local residents working at Norwich Union in Bishopbriggs and Glasgow. The company has invested in Bishopbriggs with a new centre, but staff were badly affected by redundancies at the company's Glasgow operation last year.
"I am wary of talking about potential job cuts when none have yet been announced.
"My discussions with Norwich Union to assess the impact of these cost cutting plans are on-going."
Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP David Whitton said: "I have been in touch with Norwich Union, Scottish Enterprise and council leader Rhondda Geekie on the matter.
"My understanding is that Aviva is looking to make savings in their business systems and it will be offices which have old IT systems that might be closed. It is unlikely that this would affect Bishopbriggs because they have an up-to-date IT system.
"I will be keeping an eye on the situation."
The Bishopbriggs office has been based in the area for 15 years and moved into new modern premises last year.
A Norwich Union spokesperson said: "The savings will be made in a variety of ways, including job losses. We will be trying to keep compulsory redundancies to a minimum.
"When we have previously made job cuts we have successfully achieved redeployment or maintained the losses through unfilled vacancies.
"We will keep staff up-to-date throughout the process."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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