‘we’ve Spent £1m So That Our Staff Can Work From Home...’

INSURANCE-GIANT Autonet has invested more than £1 million to ensure 1,300 staff can work from home during the pandemic.

The Burslem business has spent the cash on new computers and IT security for employees working from their respective homes, while adaptations have been made to its Nile Street call centre for essential roles that continue to be based at the office. This includes social distancing rules and enhanced cleaning regimes as well as the closure of communal social areas and a ban on travelling between offices.

Now Autonet, part of the Atlanta Group, is exploring new ways of working coming out of lockdown – and is liaising with staff about what future working practices should look like. Atlanta CEO Ian Donaldson,

below, said: “I am incredibly proud of how our business and people quickly adapted to lockdown.

“We invested over £1 million in computers and IT security to set up 1,300 colleagues to work from home and know that many people are enjoying the flexibility and that it hasn’t had a negative impact on the business’ performance or our customers.

“The Financial Conduct Authority recognises insurance as an essential service and some essential roles have continued to be performed in our offices. For those we have adhered to strict social distancing measures and cleaning in line with Government guidance.” Mr Donaldson added: “We are now asking staff to share their views and opinions about what the future should look like. Some prefer not having to commute to work, others prefer to come into an office and we are committed to learning from this experience to create a long term working solution for our people. “Looking to the future we think our role as insurance broker will become more important than ever as we negotiate better terms with insurers on behalf of our customers and help provide peace of mind about their homes and vehicles.” Fellow insurance firms Carole Nash and Swinton Insurance, which have offices in Altrincham and Salford in Manchester, are also part of the Atlanta Group.