Warning of redundancies as insurer plans move to internet-based direct sales model.

Allianz Insurance could cut as many 90 roles as it looks to refocus its direct insurance operation.

The insurer said it was looking to move away from its outbound telephone sales model towards online new business.

The proposals would involve a reduction of around 90 roles at Allianz Retail’s offices in Bristol affecting call centre, HR, marketing and other operational support functions. This is likely to involve around 50 redundancies and the termination of 40 fixed-term contracts, the company said.

Jon Dye, general manager of Allianz Retail Division said: “The capability to offer direct home and motor insurance has a central role to play in our strategy if we are to achieve our Retail objective of profitable growth to £1bn premium by 2013. These changes represent the best way to deliver that capability.”

Allianz said its broker activities would be unaffected by any changes and Cornhill Direct policyholders would continue to be serviced through the call centre in Bristol.

Dye added: “We will do everything we can to minimise the impact on our people and will seek to find suitable alternative employment for those affected. However there will inevitably be some redundancies and the termination of fixed term contracts. We will implement the changes in a way which supports our business partners and policyholders.”

These plans are subject to consultation.

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