I am extremely disappointed and concerned by the announcement that over five hundred jobs in the Tannochside area of my constituency are under threat, as the insurance company Ageas who own Kwik Fit Insurance have revealed plans to axe their entire Scottish operation. The announcement has caused huge uncertainty for hundreds of workers in my constituency and left employees extremely worried for their future. Kwik-Fit are a large and well established employer in Tannochside and this could prove to be a devastating blow to the local community, just before Christmas.
During questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland today in the House of Commons, I spoke out on behalf of those constituents facing redundancy. I asked Margot James MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy what support the UK Government will offer to the affected employees and their families.
The UK Government stated they would offer assistance through the Job Centre Plus Rapid Reaction Service and will also work with North Lanarkshire Council to make sure employees are being supported through local government channels.
Belgian-based firm Ageas revealed yesterday that they are currently going through a statutory 45-day consultation process with their employees but plan to shut the branch down in March next year. I understand Ageas are working with the Scottish Government to explore possible options, and I expect that they will take every possible step to minimise job losses.