UK: BSM Wakefield call centre to close

BSM, part of RAC, is to close its call centre in Wakefield in July 2006, with the loss of 60 roles.

BSM, part of RAC, is to close its call centre in Wakefield in July 2006, with the loss of 60 roles.

This decision follows an ongoing review of the BSM business, after Aviva’s acquisition of RAC last year, and reflects the need to provide greater flexibility to grow the business for the future.

The remaining 30 people, who work in the operational area of business in Wakefield, and the local Wakefield BSM centre are unaffected by this change.

Employees at the Wakefield call centre deal with learner sales and new driving instructor enquires. This work will be transferred to RAC’s existing call centre operation in Bristol, which currently employs more than 900 people in various roles. As a result of the transfer of business to Bristol, BSM will be recruiting 60 people to handle this work.

The company will be working closely with those affected to seek redeployment opportunities and help find alternative employment.

David Walker, director of BSM, said: “It is always tough to make this kind of decision but change is a necessary part of ensuring the BSM business is robust, maintains its leading market position and develops for the future.”

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RAC Press office contact:
Liz Kennett on (01603 688263/07800 699667)

Notes to editors:

The Wakefield call centre is based at Cheapside in Wakefield.
The Bristol call centre is based at Bradley Stoke.

About BSM
Founded in 1910, BSM is the UK’s biggest national driving school. Each year it teaches over 160,000 learners how to drive. It has over 100 BSM centres and 3,400 BSM instructors across the UK.

While BSM is best known for teaching learner drivers, it is also one of the largest providers of training for driving instructors. It plays an active role in lobbying the government on road safety and learner driver related issues.

About RAC
With more than seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations and a provider for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs.

Aviva recently announced its acquisition of RAC. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one-in-seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14%.

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