New director cannot rule out restructure
Norwich Union's (NU) new corporate partnerships director has refused to rule out restructuring the division, raising fears among staff that their jobs may be in danger.
Graham Boffey, formerly NU's claims sourcing and supply director, took over from Derek Plummer in September 2002.
The division's staff have been involved in a number of changes over the past few years.
Some have had to reapply for their own jobs more than once. And rumour is rife that their division may face another restructure.
An NU spokeswoman refused to rule out further changes to the department.
"No decision has been made on the possibility of restructuring," she said.
"Boffey recognises that strong businesses don't stand still and will always be looking for opportunities to strengthen capability.
"If restructuring is required, staff should be assured that such reviews would be carried out following an appropriate process and with full consultation with the representative bodies. Any relevant communication would be made to staff at the due time."
Meanwhile, Royal & SunAlliance will transfer some staff freed up by recent restructuring to its affinity schemes division.
Broker affinity schemes director Chris Dobson said affinity business had been historically profitable for the insurer.
R&SA paring down personal lines
Royal & SunAlliance (R&SA) has pared down its unprofitable business by pulling out of Hill House Hammond, Swintons and Budget household panels.
R&SA UK broker and affinity schemes director Chris Dobson said this move took place at the end of last year.
He said the insurer's focus was still to drive for profit.
Dobson said this year, R&SA would continue to look at all its portfolios and still be prepared to relinquish volume if not profitable.
R&SA chief executive Duncan Boyle said that over recent months the company had been able to put personal lines product prices up by double digit amounts, making the majority of the price rises stick.
R&SA paring down personal lines
