Saga still growing one year on, with 494 more Hastings jobs to hire
Saga opened its doors in Hastings last January and today employs 306 people. Over the past year, the firm has conducted over 1,000 interviews and delivered 62,291 hours of on-the-job and classroom training. Nine new joiners have already started their career progression and been promoted to supervisory positions.
Saga’s One Priory Square office has the capacity to accommodate 800 staff and there could be 494 reasons to be cheerful in Hastings in 2012 as Saga Insurance plans to grow its operations and fill the building.
 "Saga's office at One Priory Square")
Roger Ramsden, chief executive, Saga Insurance said:
“Despite tough times for the economy, Saga Insurance’s focus on quality, price and service has seen it attract a million new policyholders, which in turn creates a need for more staff. Saga is on its way to become the largest private sector employer in Hastings and we aim to attract, train and keep the best talent Hastings has to offer. We want Saga to be the place to work and the people to work with in Hastings.”
“Our employment of local people has thus far provided a £3m boost for the local economy. This figure is expected to more than double in 2012 as our recruitment plans continue apace as we grow towards our full capacity during 2012.”
Hastings Borough Council leader Jeremy Birch said:
“We are really pleased Saga came to Hastings and are now growing and developing here. This is exactly what the regeneration programme was all about. Hopefully other businesses will see the attraction of locating here.”
Amber Rudd MP, Member of Parliament for Hastings and Rye commented:
“We have been delighted to welcome Saga to Hastings, and they are proving to be a popular and successful employer. Hastings has an exciting year to look forward to for 2012 and it is fantastic that the town has the support of a top name that is continuing to build its business in the heart of our great town.”
Saga is mindful of its place in the community. Local services are advertised free to its staff and the company uses local suppliers where possible – for example, local butchers and greengrocers supply the staff canteen. The firm has also been involved in helping local schools like the St Leonards Academy where it has worked on a programme to raise students' awareness of money management issues. Saga's social club has taken people to a range of events such as theatre trips and theme parks and its free tea and coffee machines dispensed 89,195 drinks during 2011.
During 2012, Saga is recruiting people for a variety of positions from contact centre agents, claims handlers and managers to roles in security, cleaning and catering. In addition to competitive salaries, staff benefit from a salary-related company pension, health insurance, an active social club and discounts on products and services from a range of companies.
Saga is keen to hear from people interested in making a fresh start in 2012, who should visit www.saga.co.uk/careers.
For further media information, contact:
Tariq Khwaja from PR agency TK Associates on:
T: 01932 224 212
M: 07833 336 271
E: tariq.khwaja@tk-associates.com
Paul Green from Saga on:
T: 01303 776 023
E: paul.green.pr@saga.co.uk
END
Monday, 16th January, 2012
