Cork call centre operation to close with loss of 170 jobs

A US headquartered company handling insurance claims for mobile phones has confirmed that it is to close its operation in Cork with the loss of 170 jobs.

Assurant Solutions management told staff in Cork last December that it was conducting a review of its Irish operations which could lead to the closure of its call centre in Cork city.

The company has issued a statement confirming the closure of its facility on Model Farm Road in the city as part of a consolidation process of its customer care operations.

According to Assurant Solutions, the company is transferring the work carried out at its Cork plant to its operation in Crewe in the UK with the transfer due for completion by September.

President and chief executive of Assurant Solutions Europe, Chris Harrison said meetings are now being scheduled with the Cork staff to discuss the timeline and transition period for their roles.

"Our operation in Crewe has the capacity to meet both current and future requirements as we seek to achieve our ambitions for growth in Europe," said Mr Harrison.

“Decisions to close an operation are always tough but must be made to ensure our business can compete effectively, service our clients and deliver value to customers.”

The review process began late last year after Assurant Solutions which has its executive offices in Atlanta in the US, acquired the Lifestyle Services Group in the UK in October.

The company, which came to Cork in 1999, handles insurance claims for mobile phones and extended warrantees and also has a base in Windsor in the UK where 34 jobs are being cut.

Mr Harrison said that the company’s human resources team will work with employees and both the IDA and local employers to identify potential opportunties for the workers.

The decision to close the Cork p follow a period of consultation with staff in both Cork and Windsor after details of the proposals were presented in December.

Assurant Solutions has operations in 25 locations worldwide and serves customers and clients in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia.