Firm in talks to save Kwik Fit jobs

Hundreds of jobs could be saved by a firm who are keen to take over the closure-threatened Kwik Fit Insurance Services offices.
The planned closure of Kwik Fit Insurance offices was announced last week.The planned closure of Kwik Fit Insurance offices was announced last week.
The planned closure of Kwik Fit Insurance offices was announced last week.

The news offers hope to 521 devastated staff who were told last week their Tannochside workplace is expected to shut within months.

Uddingston and Bellshill MSP Richard Lyle revealed he has met representatives of a company interested in taking on the workers. He urged Kwik Fit staff who might be looking for a new job elsewhere to “hang on in there”.

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Mr Lyle said: “Events have moved on quickly since the announcement last week.

“I have been in discussions with a range of interested parties to take the centre forward – and I have met with one company in particular who are impressive with a person-focussed ethos.

“They are a very reputable firm and although I cannot give any promises I’m very optimistic about the prospects of them taking over.

“My message to the workforce would be to hang on in there, there might be something worth waiting for – if we can deliver.”

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The MSP praised colleague Paul Wheelhouse, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Business, Innovation and Enterprise, for doing “a power of work” following the closure news.

Announcing the closure plan and a 45-day consultation with staff, Kwik Fit owner Ageas said it is “under pressure” due to changes in the way people now buy insurance.

A spokesman said: “We have made a number of attempts to address these changes, but they have not been sufficient to improve performance and address declines in workload. This means difficult choices have to be considered.”

Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill MP Phil Boswell MP urged Ageas to “take very possible step to minimise job losses”.

He added: “Kwik-Fit are a large and well-established employer in Tannochside and this could prove to be a devastating blow to the local community.”

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