One of the country’s biggest insurers confirms it is closing most of its branches in a move that affects 91 staff at 21 offices.
Craig Olsen, executive general manager of State Insurance, made the announcement at 5pm today saying it was a tough decision to make but he believed it was the right move for the brand.
The company says it has “identified around 70 job opportunities” for the 91 staff affected by the closures.
He says the decision to close 21 of the company’s 22 branches is in response to fewer of the insurer’s customers visiting branches, instead choosing to call or connect via the internet.
State’s Riccarton branch in Christchurch will remain open because earthquake-related insurance claims justify a different approach, he says.
The decision follows a period of consultation with State employees after the proposal was put forward in September.
State is part of insurance group IAG’s direct insurance division, which includes AMI and employs about 1400 people.
Mr Olsen said State customers who still wanted to transact through a branch or store can visit AMI.
Duncan Bridgeman
Thu, 16 Oct 2014
Thu, 16 Oct 2014
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State Insurance shuts 21 offices, 91 staff affected
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