75 Quinn redundancies won't go ahead

Editorial Department • Published 22 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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As many as 75 redundancies at Quinn-direct in Enniskillen have been retracted, The Impartial Reporter has learned.

The Administrator has confirmed that of the total planned redundancies at the Enniskillen site, 75 redundancies from the private lines business will not now be implemented. This decision does not affect the voluntary led redundancies planned in other functional areas of Quinn Insurance.

At a meeting with staff yesterday, it was revealed that redundancy was being retracted for private lines agents and managers.

A source from the firm said that it was bad news for those looking for redundancy, but good news for the economy.

Of those who had planned to take redundancy, there were several who had already secured visas to go to Australia.

"It is that busy they have retracted the redundancies. The offer has been retracted due to business needs. Business has picked up. It is going though the roof. It is very busy," the source said. "People are disappointed, absolutely gutted. There were people who had made preparations. For the economy, it is fantastic but some of the agents are very irate. It was an attractive redundancy offer. Those with ten years of service were looking at at least £10,000 at a young age," the source added.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the news. "Since the ban on trading in the UK private motor insurance business was lifted in April, staff at Quinn Enniskillen have worked hard to maintain and grow levels of business. As a result the Administrator has taken the decision not to seek any redundancies in the private lines business in Enniskillen, a decision which I am sure will be met with relief by the 75 employees affected.

"My Department and Invest NI remain committed to safeguarding the employment and investment by Quinn Insurance in Northern Ireland in the longer term. We will continue to build our relationship with the Administrator and any potential new owners to reinforce the strong capabilities of the Enniskillen site."

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 22 Jul 10

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