A Doncaster MP says she is “saddened” about the impending closure of Doncaster’s Direct Line Insurance call centre – with 400 jobs at risk, saying she is working for “the best possible outcome.”

Shocked staff at the centre in Lakesdide were told the news last week – and the announcement comes after the group’s takeover by fellow insurance firm Aviva earlier this year.

The customer operations centre in Lakeside is due to close next year, staff have told the Free Press, along with a similar centre in Bromley.

It is understood some staff may be given the option to transfer to offices in Leeds.

Doncaster MP Sally Jameson says she is working for "the best possible outcome" for Direct Line staff in Doncaster

placeholder image — Doncaster MP Sally Jameson says she is working for "the best possible outcome" for Direct Line staff in Doncaster

Doncaster Central Labour MP Sally Jameson said: “I’m saddened to hear that the site will eventually close.

"I am liaising with Aviva and trade unions to ensure the best possible outcome for those affected by the closure.

"If any constituents have concerns about the closure of the Doncaster site, I encourage them to get in touch with my office.”

Last week, one member of staff, who asked not to be named, said: “They've said the office will be open until 2026 - but this will impact so many people.

"Hopefully Aviva may change their mind about the decision when they realise the affect it will have on their staff.”

The Free Press understands that staff were told of the news in a series of announcements before receiving emails with further details of the closure.

The email reportedly told staff the reason for the closure was “to meet customer needs, operate cost effectively, and offer inclusive spaces for collaboration” and added: "'Thank you to our colleagues in Doncaster and Bromley for their continued hard work and focus on delivering brilliant service for our customers. We're committed to supporting our colleagues during this transition period.”

The staff member said: “The last paragraph makes me laugh because they don't have any answers about what this means for us - how many jobs will be going?

"Will it be all of us? Who gets to stay? Will they be providing money towards travel to Leeds? A year is a long time to be in limbo, and I'd love to see support for the office to remain open.”

A spokesperson for Aviva said: “Following the acquisition of Direct Line earlier this year, one of our priorities has been to review our property portfolio to simplify the office footprint of our new combined Personal Lines business.

“In future we will focus the operations of our Personal Lines business across nine sites in the UK – four Personal Lines strategic hubs focused on core business trading activities in Norwich, Perth, Glasgow and Leeds.

“Five locations for specialist teams in London, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool.

“As a result of these changes, we will be closing the Direct Line offices in Doncaster and Bromley.

“We understand this announcement will cause uncertainty to colleagues. We are currently working through the detail and what this means for individuals, and we’re committed to supporting them throughout this process.

“There is no impact on other Aviva sites.”