Comment on job losses at Norwich Union

9.38.14am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 14th Sep 2006

The job loses at Norwich Union are a real blow for the people involved.

Commenting on the announcement of job losses at the Eastleigh and Southampton sites of Norwich Union, Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne said: " It is very sad to see another big local employer cutting back on jobs following on the job losses at Manor Bakeries and Alstom. This is a real blow for the people involved, who deserve every sympathy. There is nothing worse than investing a large part of one's life with an employer to find that the commitment is no longer two-way.

"I am assured by senior management at the company that former employees will be given full support in finding alternative work in the area, where there are a number of other employers needing similar skills such as HSBC, Skandia and Standard Life. I am also told that the healthcare business of Norwich Union centred in Eastleigh is growing strongly, and that these job losses are down to new technology and cost-saving rather than any problems with the business. That is at least some consolation for those remaining with the company.

"I will be making contact with Amicus, which is the union representing most of those affected, to see if I can help in any way representing those affected."