The announcement follows a comprehensive business review, which examined all aspects of the Company’s operations.

Over the next three years, Hibernian will gradually move part of its service and support functions to a well-established global services centre in Bangalore, India.

Hibernian, part of Aviva, is to reorganise its business “to increase operational efficiencies, reduce costs and support its continued growth”.

Scheduled to begin during early 2009, the transition will initially impact up to 80 positions across Hibernian’s three centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Over the full three-year period, up to an additional 500 positions are likely to move to Bangalore.

According to a statement from the company, Dublin will remain Hibernian’s corporate headquarters with overall responsibility for group strategy and operations.

Galway will be the main customer contact and call centre for general insurance, while Cork will specialise in technical underwriting and claims.

The overall number of employees in Cork and Galway is not expected to change materially and the Limerick operation is to remain as it is.

“Hibernian expects to implement this change programme in a phased manner by minimising external recruitment activities, and through re-training, redeployment, normal staff turnover and other voluntary methods,” the statement said.

The company also noted that the recent launch of Hibernian Health would also provide some new career opportunities for employees.

“Hibernian is committed to engaging with its employees and their union, UNITE, to minimise impacts, provide support and discuss a voluntary redundancy programme, if appropriate,” the statement added.

“In common with all businesses in today’s economic environment, it is imperative that Hibernian operates even more efficiently to provide best value and service to customers. As a consequence, we are reorganising our operations and have embarked on a major change programme,” said Group Chief Executive, Stuart Purdy.

“We regret the impact of this announcement on our employees and are committed to managing this change carefully, working closely with our employees and their representatives,” the statement added.

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