23 July 2010

Aegon PQ answers received

Margaret Smith has now received a response to the Parliamentary Questions she asked about job losses at Aegon and what support those facing redundancy will receive. The Parliamentary Questions asked and the answers are below:

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive  what discussions it has had with Aegon UK over reported job losses at its life and pensions division based in Edinburgh. (S3W-34852)

Mr Jim Mather :

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth spoke to Otto Thoresen, Chief Executive of AEGON UK the day before the company announced the review of its operations. He assured Mr Thoresen that the Scottish Government will provide all possible support during the period of its review.

Scottish Development International is in close contact with AEGON and aims to meet with the company as soon as possible to make it aware of what support is available to help minimise any job losses, particularly compulsory redundancies.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive  what support will be put in place to assist people who face redundancy at Aegon UK’s Edinburgh office.
(S3W-34853)

Mr Jim Mather :

AEGON has stressed that it is determined to work with its employees and the unions at the facility to minimise job losses and in particular, compulsory redundancies at its Edinburgh office.

AEGON is unable, at this time, to offer any details on the numbers involved in any proposed job reductions in Edinburgh but, should job losses occur, the Scottish Government will, through Skills Development Scotland, coordinate local response teams under the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) initiative, to provide tailored help and support.

The Finance Sector Jobs Taskforce is aware of the situation and will engage directly with the company at the right time.