INSURANCE company Eagle Star is to close its office in Brighton with the loss of 150 jobs.

Last night's announcement has devastated staff, some of whom have worked at the company for more than 25 years,

The news comes only weeks after another insurance giant, Royal & Sun Alliance, closed its customer service centre in Brighton.

One Eagle Star employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We were called into a meeting and told by the end of the year the office would be shut. Some may be redeployed but others will have to find new jobs.

Decision

"I know people who've been here for 27 years - it's all they've ever known.

"People are totally fed up. We have been told we're one of the most productive offices in the country but they're still closing us down. It's just another insurance business in Brighton that's gone."

Eagle Star said the decision was taken after the company failed to agree financial terms with the Alliance and Leicester to renew a three-year contract.

The contract runs out at the end of this year but Alliance & Leicester have decided to go elsewhere.

Eagle Star spokeswoman Wendy May said following the loss of its main contract it would not be economical to keep the Brighton office running.

Mrs May added: "We will do all that we can to redeploy staff."

The company, based at Lancaster House in Trafalgar Place, has been operating in the town for more than 35 years.

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