Kwik Fit closure
Over 500 jobs will go when site is closed by March
More than 500 jobs are to go, with confirmation of the closure of Uddingston’s Kwik Fit Insurance call centre.
Owner Ageas announced a consultation period in November, and have now confirmed it will be closed by the end of March. Local MSP Richard Lyle said he was “deeply disappointed”.
Kwik Fit Insurance have confirmed the closure of their Uddingston call centre, with the loss of over 500 jobs.
The company warned of plans to close the centre, where is employs 521 staff, back in November.
And now, following a 45-day consultation period, the company have announced that the site will close by March 31.
Belgian insurance group Ageas, who bought the business from Kwik Fit in 2010 for £215 million, said the move is in response to changes in how people acquire insurance.
The company had been working with Scottish Enterprise and North Lanarkshire Council since November in a bid to find a new operator for the site.
Last month it was reported three companies were looking at acquiring the business, though no deal materialised.
Ageas said they will now work with affected staff to find them alternative employment, and insisted they had identified “more than 1800 relevant role opportunities” in the area.
Ant Middle, chief executive of Ageas Direct & Partnerships, said: “It’s with regret that we have decided to close our Uddingston office and we know our employees will be disappointed with this news.
“However, after talks with third parties, around 40 contact centre-based organisations have expressed strong interest in our workforce, with more than 1800 relevant role opportunities being identified so far.
“This not only evidences what we already know – that we have capable, skilled and experienced people – but also that there are many good opportunities in the local area.
“We will do all we can to support our people in securing alternative roles.”
Ageas said they have invited the government-backed service Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) to the Uddingston site to provide employees with advice on dealing with redundancy and finding alternative employment.
The centre opened in 1995, and once employed more than 1000 people.
Uddingston and Bellshill MSP Richard Lyle said he was disappointed with the announcement, and urged those affected to contact him for help.
He said: “This is deeply disappointing news, and of course my primary concern is for all staff affected by the closure.
“Although there was a concerted effort over the past few weeks to maintain jobs in Uddingston, it’s unfortunate that no solution could be found.
“I’ve worked closely with the company and the workforce throughout.
“And I know that the Scottish Government and the company have explored a range of options to secure jobs and the future of the site.
“While this is a difficult time for employees, there are a number of companies in the area who have noted an interest in recruiting staff – allowing them to remain in employment.
“I’ll continue to offer my assistance wherever possible in this process and would urge any of my constituents affected to contact me for help and advice.”