AXA has begun redundancy proceedings with 150 staff after confirming it will relocate its motor claims operations to Birmingham.

The insurance giant expects to move the positions from its site in Century Place in Tunbridge Wells to the Midlands by May next year.

It came to the decision after a three week consultation, the details of which were revealed earlier this month.

AXA has three offices in the town but another 2,185 staff at its two AXA PPP sites – at International House in Forest Road and Phillips House in Crescent Road – are unaffected by the proposals.

Another 147 workers in its technical operations and engineering teams at Century Place will remain in post at the site.

The company also has an office in Tonbridge but this is not affected.

Kim Pearce, a director at AXA Insurance, said: “After discussions between the union and management we have taken the decision to consolidate the direct motor operations staff in Birmingham to deliver a more consistent level of customer service.

“The change does not impact other staff based in the Tunbridge Wells Century Place office or AXA PPP Healthcare, a significant employer in the area.

“We are now consulting staff on an individual basis and are also in discussions with AXA PPP Healthcare to see if we can redeploy affected staff.”

Earlier this month, Dominic Hook, national officer from Unite, the union representing staff, had said he would press AXA to ensure all impacted staff in Tunbridge Wells were offered alternative local employment within the AXA group “and compulsory redundancies are avoided”.

He said: “The union will be working to support our members at the affected site over the coming days and weeks.”