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.
The view of AA Insurance is that the simple step of taking a motorbike awareness course can help cut motorcycle insurance premiums as well as making them safer road users.
A spokesman from AA Insurance pointed out that motorbikes are a more risky form of transport than any other, primarily because of the chances of the rider being injured when involved in any sort of accident. He added that, if bikers take the correct precautions then they can greatly reduce the chances of being involved in an accident.
On the subject of the motorcycle awareness course the AA Insurance representative went on to say that having an awareness and a sense of caution when on a bike is a good thing. It helps riders focus on issues that may arise and can help avoid accidents that would otherwise happen.