280 jobs to go at Friends Provident, says union

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8:22 am, November 13, 2008
280 jobs to go at Friends Provident, says union

Friends Provident today said it would cut an unspecified number of jobs in Manchester - but the Unite union said it expected 280 redundancies.

The life and pensions company announced plans to move out of the former Daily Express building on Greater Ancoats Street by the end of next year. It currently employs 465 people at the site in various functions such as customer service and IT.

Some staff are being retained at a smaller office in Spring Gardens but other roles will either be lost, relocated or switched to homeworking.

The company said in a statement: “Regrettably, a number of redundancies will also occur, over a phased period from now until the end of 2009 and Friends Provident will be consulting with those employees affected. Final numbers will not be known until the consultation is complete.”

Sarah Carpenter, Unite officer said: "Unite is deeply disappointed that there will be around 280 job losses at Friends Provident in Manchester. The closure of the main building in the city centre is a heavy blow to staff.

"Unite is angered that there has been a total failure by Friends Provident to involve staff representatives in this review, despite being the recognised union. We have demanded an urgent meeting with management on this issue.

"Our priority is now to support the workforce and ensure there are no compulsory redundancies as a result of this site closure. Unite will be calling on Friends Provident to ensure there is suitable redeployment for all those employees who want it. The union will be holding a members meeting in Manchester today."

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of inward investment agency Midas, said he hoped the job losses would be “minimal”.

Sinclair added: "We have to recognise that many financial organisations are facing difficult times and tough decisions are being made. However, we have a good relationship with Friends Provident and are absolutely delighted that key functions are being retained here at a new location at 55 Spring Gardens.

"We are continuing to talk and meet with Friends Provident and are optimistic that with their drive towards homeworking and other redeployment programmes that any eventual job losses will be absolutely minimal.

"It is important to point out that there is a longstanding relationship between Manchester and Friends Provident and that relations with its new CEO, Trevor Matthews, are excellent. We have already scheduled talks with him and his senior management in the weeks ahead so that we can plan for a continued and indeed expanded presence for Friends Provident in Manchester when the economic situation picks up."

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