Zurich to shed 121 claims roles as personal lines MD departs

Zurich is to make 121 claims handling roles redundant across its personal motor and property teams as part of a restructure.

The job cuts will begin in March, and include 94 roles in motor and property from its personal lines headquarters in Whiteley, Hampshire, and 27 motor claims roles in Glasgow.

Zurich said it would redeploy staff and use voluntary measures where possible.

The restructure will see personal lines claims handled by Zurich’s low cost subsidiary Endsleigh, based in Cheltenham.

Zurich will continue to handle complex claims and retain claims services functions as well as governance and technical control.

Zurich said the changes were the latest step in the “evolution” of its UK personal lines business following the recent launch of its online car and home insurance products.

UK chief claims officer Tony Emms said: “The low-cost operating model which underpins Endsleigh will help to ensure the continued delivery of a competitive Zurich proposition, meaning we are well positioned to evolve rapidly in the ever changing personal lines market.

“We understand that these changes mean difficult messages for some of our employees, and we are committed to minimising the impact on people by reducing job numbers through redeployment, natural turnover and voluntary measures wherever possible.

“However, we have to make sure that we can flexibly adapt our operational model and processes to meet constantly changing market conditions.”

Management changes

Alongside the restructure personal lines managing director John Dyke and UK claims director Jon Cawley will both leave Zurich at the end of the year.

Dyke plans to return to the US, and Zurich’s UK chief underwriting officer Tim Holliday will be his interim replacement.

Zurich’s UK general insurance chief executive Steve Lewis said: “We’re sorry that John is leaving but understand that he and his family are ready to return to the US and we wish him well for the future.

“Tim Holliday is well placed to oversee the personal lines busines but our priority is to ensure John’s long-term replacement is confirmed as soon as possible.”