Fianna Fáil Spokesman on Jobs Willie O’Dea has said management at insurance giant Aviva must be clear in their meeting with the Unite trade union today following reports that hundreds of jobs are under threat at the company.

Deputy O’Dea said: “I am deeply worried about the reports of job losses on this scale.  It’s the third such case of large losses or potential losses in a very short space of time, with Talk Talk in Waterford closing and the jobs at MBNA still in danger.

“We actually need to see ‘sector specific’ responses from Minister Bruton.  Any cuts at Aviva, particularly if they’re on the scale that has been suggested, would signal a very serious problem within the insurance sector generally and cuts would not be likely to be confined to Aviva.  I know the Minister and his Department engages with companies who decide that job cuts are necessary, however the Government may have more success in heading off large losses by engaging vulnerable sectors as a whole.”

“I am urging the Minister to engage the insurance industry as a whole to get a fuller picture of how the sector is performing and what potential dangers lie ahead.  Family income and household budgets have been severely impacted as a result of the recession and the Government must be proactive in examining and preparing for the knock-on effects of that.”

“Similarly the Talk Talk situation in Waterford should sound major alarm bells when you consider how many thousands of jobs are linked directly and indirectly to call centre and customer support sector in Ireland.  The fact that Talk Talk is sending those jobs to Asia is a major issue for the country and Minister should engage the industry to look at possible future threats.”

 “I will be raising this issue with the Minister upon his return from the US.”