Insurance group Swinton has announced plans to cut 900 jobs by the end of the year.

The firm, which has branches in Ashford, Chatham, Maidstone, Margate and Tunbridge Wells, said it has earmarked 84 branches for potential closure as part of a business restructure.

It said 90% of its customers buy insurance over the phone or online and that it is investing £45 million in its IT and digital technology at its Manchester head office.

It has begun a formal consultation with all employees affected by the proposals.

Chief executive Gilles Normand said: “This change is difficult for all colleagues, especially those who are directly impacted by the proposals, but is vital if we are to remain competitive in a challenging insurance market.

“While branches continue to be an important part of our multi-channel business model, we need to ensure that we can interact with customers whenever, and however, they choose.

“It therefore makes sense to continually review how we operate to ensure Swinton remains fit for the future.”

Swinton, which has operated for nearly 60 years, has more high street branches than any other insurance broker in the UK.

It is a UK subsidiary of French mutual insurance group Covéa, which has over 11.4 million policyholders and earned premiums of €17.2 billion (£12.2bn) in 2015.