Ipswich: ‘Minimal’ impact expected at Churchill Insurance office as Direct Line Group axes another 236 jobs

INSURANCE giant Direct Line Group today revealed plans to axe another 236 jobs as it steps up its drive to slash costs by �100million a year.

The latest cuts are in addition to nearly 1,000 job losses already announced by the group this year, involving nearly 900 customer services staff and around 70 senior management roles.

Direct Line, which also owns brands such as Churchill, Privilege and Green Flag, said the roles affected by the latest announcement would be spread across its division, including commercial underwriting and the risk and compliance function.

However, the group said it was also hoping to create a number of new roles under the reorganisation and would help the staff whose roles were affected to find work elsewhere in the business, as well as with other employers.

The group employs around 14,000 UK staff in total, with its Churchill operation including an office in Princes Street in Ipswich.

A spokeswoman for Direct Line Group said that the impact of the latest changes on individual locations was yet to be determined, with the outcome being subject to consultation now in progress, but the effect in Ipswich would be “very, very minimal”.

Group chief executive Paul Geddes said the job cuts were “essential to ensure we are as efficient and competitive as possible”.

“As always, I have not made these proposed changes lightly and understand the impact they will have on our people, and we will do all we can to support those affected,” he added.

The drive for savings comes as Direct Line Group begins life as a stand-alone business following its demerger last month from Royal Bank of Scotland.