At the same time as the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry is quizzing insurance bosses about claims processing and complaints handling, Suncorp is preparing to shift Australian insurance jobs offshore in search of higher profits.

Big companies like Suncorp should invest in the best possible customer service, not look to boost profits by sending  jobs offshore, the Finance Sector Union said today.

“While Suncorp employees worked unbelievably hard to look after customers who were affected by the floods, it turns out Suncorp senior management were busy looking for ways to cut their jobs” said Acting FSU National Secretary Chris Gambian.

“Suncorp employees put in long hours to process the high volume of claims quickly, carefully and compassionately during natural disasters. But these same employees now face a nervous wait to hear if they will still have a job with the company,” said Mr Gambian.

“When the clean up begins, and the headlines are over, Australians turn to insurance workers to look after the rebuilding. It is disappointing that Suncorp puts boosting their bottom line before the needs of the people who made them profitable in the first place.”

Suncorp have confirmed offshoring of back office and processing jobs is being actively considered, and it has been reported in the Australian Financial Review that other insurers may follow suit.  The exact number of jobs in scope for offshoring is still to be confirmed, but some reports indicate that thousands of Australian jobs may be at risk.

“Companies that do their business in Australia and profit from the Australian community owe the Australian people an investment in excellent services, jobs and skills” Mr Gambian said.

Ends

Spokesperson:                     Chris Gambian                   0438 898 198
Media:                                 Leanne Shingles                 0423 821 773


Facebook: Keep Suncorp Jobs in Australia