Ageas UK shuts down unit, but there’s good news on most workers

More than 500 employees were affected by the closure, which was caused by changes in the way people buy insurance

Ageas UK shuts down unit, but there’s good news on most workers

Insurance News

By Louie Bacani

Ageas UK has officially closed down its business in Scotland, Kwik Fit Insurance Services, but there has been a positive outcome for most of its 521 employees.
 
More than two-thirds of the staff have found new jobs after the Uddingston-based company ceased operations on March 31.
 
Based on a sample of 425 of the 521 employees, 68% have secured a new role and 12% have opted to study, take time off, or retire, according to a report by Scottish news publication Motherwell Times. About 20% are still looking for alternative work.

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“We are very pleased that almost 80% of staff either found a new role, or are opting to study or retire and hope everyone that is still looking for a role finds employment shortly,” Ant Middle, CEO Direct and Partnerships at Ageas, was quoted as saying in the report.
 
Scotland’s business minister Paul Wheelhouse MSP created a working group that brought together Ageas UK, the North Lanarkshire Council and Scottish government agencies through the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment initiative.
 
“Ageas have worked with the Scottish Government to secure the best possible outcomes for those affected, showing themselves to be a conscientious employer during this difficult time for their staff,” Wheelhouse told the publication.
 
“There is still significant work to do, however I am confident we are doing everything possible to support the staff in Tannochside and, in due course, to help find a new role for the site.”
 
Ageas first announced in November the planned office closure, which was a result of changes in market operations and in the way people buy insurance.
 
According to the insurer, no alternative options were found for the business even after a 45-day consultation with employees.
 
“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,” Middle previously said.
 
 
Related stories:
Reaction to 500 Kwik Fit Insurance jobs axe
 

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