26/06/2013

Direct Line To Cut 2,000 Jobs

Insurance firm Direct Line has said it is to cut up to 2,000 jobs.

The move comes as the company continues its plans to cut costs.

According to Direct Line, a majority of the job losses will come from head office and support functions, but stressed it would try to redeploy those affected where possible.

The latest job losses account for around 14% of the current 14,400-strong workforce. It is understood the company has started consultation talks with staff and unions.

Direct Line Insurance Group - which also owns the Churchill and Green Flag brands - was floated from RBS last year as a condition for the bank's £45bn government bailout following the financial crisis in 2008.

Paul Geddes, Group Chief Executive, said the firm had "not made these proposed changes lightly."

He added: "As we have done in the past, we will deal fairly and carefully with those impacted, and do all we can to support them through these changes."

Direct Line has 16 sites across the UK, including London, Croydon, Bromley, Leeds, Glasgow and Manchester.

(JP/CD)

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