EML has opened a new office in Chatswood as it grows its NSW workers’ compensation team, following criticism of its services last year.

EML, which is now state insurer icare’s sole workers’ compensation scheme agent for new claims, says the new premises will eventually be home to 150 additional staff.

The company says the new office “gives our teams flexibility, space and the facilities to provide this vital service”.

The office was launched today with icare CEO John Nagle.

“This increase in staff numbers and the expansion into a new office is a great sign of commitment to the scheme,” Mr Nagle said.

At the end of last year EML was criticised by the Workers’ Compensation Independent Review Office annual report as complaints spiralled.

Complaints included problems communicating with EML, lack of staffing and having to deal with a number of different people.

The NSW Business Chamber also called for an urgent review of the workers’ compensation system due to complaints about poor practices.

The Chatswood office is EML’s sixth in NSW and one of more than a dozen nationwide as the Australian-owned mutual expands operations in urban and regional centres.

In 2017 icare selected EML as its sole workers’ compensation agent for new claims starting from January 1 this year. CGU and QBE ceased services in 2017, while GIO and Allianz continued as transition agents.