QBE is to reduce its UK workforce by offering redundancies and sending some jobs to the Philippines.

“In line with legal obligations, QBE Europe will shortly be commencing consultation with representatives of affected employees about its proposals,” the company said. “This will include consultation about any potential redundancies.

“Proposals may result in a transfer of some operations to other QBE operations in the UK and Philippines.”

“We won’t be making any comment at this stage regarding the specifics of the transformation project as it relates to Europe,” a QBE spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Last July QBE opened a hub in Manila to process small claims from Australia and Europe, which it says will save at least $US250 million ($284.25 million) by the end of next year.

The Philippines centre will prompt “transformation initiatives” across the world over three years, the spokesman says.

“We have briefed our employees about the potential implementation of a business transformation project. This UK project forms part of a global transformation program for the QBE Group to leverage its global scale and expertise and increase competitiveness.”

Formal proposals have yet to be tabled. “As further information becomes available, our priority will be to share it with our employees first,” the spokesman said.