Insurance company Aviva is said to be finalising restructuring plans that could see the loss of up to 500 jobs in its Irish business.
According to RTÉ's Primetimeprogramme last night, the insurer is said to be finalising a major restructuring plan with Irish staff being told to expect an announcement as early as next month.
The company is understood to be considering relocating part of its general insurance business to the UK with the companys UK headquarters said to have been playing an increasing role in the Irish division.
Primetime said correspondence it had seen showed that between 300 and 500 jobs are under review.
In a statement Aviva said that given the difficult economic circumstances in Ireland, it was considering various options to ensure it has a sustainable and competitive business. The company said its review was still underway and it was too early to speculate on the final outcome.
Asked about the rumoured job losses on Primetimelast night, Minister for Enterprise Richard Bruton said that he had "heard rumours" about them.
The Aviva Group in Ireland comprises Aviva Insurance Europe SE, Aviva Life and Pensions Ireland Limited, Aviva Health Insurance Ireland Limited and Aviva Investors Ireland Limited and has offices in Dublin, Cork and Galway.