27 digital engineering jobs lost at insurance giant Aviva in Sheffield

27 hi-tech digital jobs are being cut in Sheffield in a shake-up at insurance giant Aviva.
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The firm is closing its ‘Digital Forge’ at the company’s 1,000-strong life and health insurance operation on Pear Street off Ecclesall Road.

The cost-cutting measure will see four digital engineering teams in Norwich, Sheffield, York and London consolidated into two, in Norwich and London.

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A spokeswoman said they were “committed” to minimising redundancies by cutting contractors and vacancies and through natural turnover.

Aviva on Pear Street.Aviva on Pear Street.
Aviva on Pear Street.

She added: “We have briefed our employees in this team on what this means for them and our priority is to support those employees affected by this decision, including talking to them about other opportunities in Aviva.”

The move is part of a three-year programme to axe 1,800 jobs announced in June last year.

On LinkedIn, Nina Swanwick, who is credited with creating and leading the Sheffield Digital Forge, said: ‘It's the unfortunate end of a very enjoyable era... I helped set up shop here. I've recruited a fabulous team of diverse people and we are all looking for new and exciting positions.

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‘I'll be last out, turning out the lights. This company really did help me blaze a trail for diversity and set some remarkable precedents. Proving the impossible, possible, so if you want real change in your engineering team, or if you want a new team initiating, 'Who you gonna call?'’

Nina Swanwick - Aviva - Digital Platform Manager.Nina Swanwick - Aviva - Digital Platform Manager.
Nina Swanwick - Aviva - Digital Platform Manager.

Meanwhile, staff praised her work.

Aviva test engineer Adam Russell said: ‘‘Starting from scratch she built a number of diverse and strong development teams while at the same time promoted the evolution of a great, supportive culture in the office.’

Digital business analyst Pahan De Silva stated: ‘Nina made the Sheffield Digital Forge one of the great places to work.’

And Will Hiorns, senior software engineer, wrote: ‘Nina is the best team leader I've ever worked with, full stop. I'd fight tigers for Nina.’

Aviva on Pear Street.Aviva on Pear Street.
Aviva on Pear Street.
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Mel Kanarek, director of Sheffield Digital, said there was a large demand for talent in Sheffield.

She added: “While it's regrettable to hear that Aviva may be closing its digital operation in Sheffield, there is a large demand for talent in the city and plenty of other businesses here are recruiting digital roles at the moment.

“The Sheffield Digital jobs board has more than 40 live vacancies and we encourage people who may be losing their jobs at Aviva to check our website and use our community platform to explore new opportunities and make connections."

Fellow Sheffield Digital director Chris Dymond said he didn’t think those affected would be out of work for long.

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“It’s a shame as it’s taken two years to build the team there.

“We’d like Aviva to host a recruitment event to help find them new roles, which we could promote to everyone who’s hiring. I don’t think these people will be looking for very long.”