New roles for workers

Most staff facing redundancy at Kwik-fit Insurance Services (KFIS) in Uddingston have found new jobs after support from a working group set up by Scottish Government Business Minister, Paul Wheelhouse. 

A working group brought together KFIS owner Ageas, North Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Government agencies through ‎its Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative.

From a sample of 425 of the 521 employees at KFIS, 68% have secured a new role and 12% have opted to study, take time off or retire. A fifth, 20%, are still looking for alternative work. 

Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, said:

"As soon as we became aware of the potential closure we engaged in talks with management at Ageas, owners of Kwik-Fit Insurance Services, and set up a working group to provide support to its employees. Clearly, any news of redundancy is deeply concerning – not only for those involved, ‎but their families and the local community. That is why we remain determined to do all that we can to help. 

"I offer my sincere thanks to the members of the working group ‎for the considerable progress made so far. Their support has delivered strong results, which are a testament to the timely and decisive action taken by the group.

“Ageas have worked with the Scottish Government to secure the best possible outcomes for those affected, showing themselves to be a conscientious employer during this difficult time for their staff.

"There is still significant work to do, however I am confident we are doing everything possible to support the Kwik-fit Insurance Services staff in Uddingston and, in due course, to help find a new role for the site."

Ant Middle, CEO Direct and Partnerships at Ageas said:

 “The support of various departments of the Scottish Government and North Lanarkshire Council was critical in helping us help our people through the last few months, which we recognise was a difficult period.   

“We are very pleased that almost 80% either found a new role, or are opting to study or retire and hope that everyone that is still looking for a role finds employment shortly. I thank them again for all their hard work and dedication over the years and wish them all the very best for the future.”

Des Murray, assistant chief executive for enterprise and housing resources at North Lanarkshire Council, said:

“It was clear to the council that we had to do everything possible to support the employees affected and we are pleased that there has been a positive outcome for so many.

“The partnership has worked effectively and we will continue to provide support where necessary to people still seeking employment.”

Background

PACE staff worked closely with the company to deliver a programme of support, including 13 presentations, 50 workshops on CV preparation, career management and interview skills and more than 200 one-to-one career planning interviews with a PACE adviser.‎ 

Ageas also arranged four jobs fairs on site where over 2,000 vacancies in the immediate area were available from the 44 organisations in attendance.‎

PACE is the Scottish Government’s initiative for responding to redundancy situations .