Top level managers at Hastings Direct insurance company have denied rumours that job losses will be greater than that already advised.
The local newspaper in Bexhill, where Hastings Direct are the towns biggest employer, has been receiving anonymous calls saying that rather than the ten job losses that had been stated there were in fact over fifty less jobs at the company now. There was also speculation that more reductions were on the way.
To clarify the position the company released a statement in which it was made clear that redundancies would add up to ten at the most, coming from a review of operations that had been underway for some time. Any other reductions in the number of jobs had come naturally, either via retirement or by people not being replaced if they left.
Hastings Direct also wanted to confirm they are a very active and successful participant in the insurance market, with plans to develop further in the future. They also intend to retain their Bexhill offices as the centre of operations, aiming to grow further as the business expands.
A spokesman from Norwich Union has said that the GBP2.6 billion reattribution of surplus funds is close to being resolved following previous disputes.
A representative for policyholders has been asking for changes since the reattribution of funds was biased in favour of Norwich Union shareholders and needed attention. Following this a committee from the government has been looking at the situation to ensure fairness.
Norwich Union are offering payments to with profits insurance fund policy holders but they will then not be eligible for any further annual bonuses. They are yet to hear if this latest offer is acceptable but hope it will be so that the funds can be paid out.
A recent study carried out by Zurich Insurance has shown that over half the consumers in the UK have never taken financial advice from a qualified advisor.
It may be an age related matter since the 18 to 24 year olds have the highest percentage of people without advice, 84 percent. Even for those aged 35 and over though there are still half of them who have never received financial advice. Zurich Insurance are urging everyone to consider speaking to finance professional in order to best arrange their finances.
At times of difficulty such as those being faced in the UK currently it is more important than ever to receive sound financial advice since there is a greater likelihood of problems when the economy is slow. Whether it is a Zurich Insurance financial advisor or one from another company the important element is to take advice from an expert.
