Less than a year after opening its new UK headquarters in Swindon, Zurich has confirmed a round of redundancies will be taking place - with jobs in the town now at risk. 

The insurance giant has confirmed that 80 members of staff will be made redundant in the coming weeks following a "business review".

The firm says some may be from Swindon.

A Zurich spokesperson said: “Following a business review, we have placed a small number of roles across our UK business at risk of redundancy.

"This will reduce our 5,200 UK team by 80, some of which may be in Swindon.

"We are working hard to support anyone impacted and hope to redeploy as many people as we can into alternative roles.”

Unity Place, in Swindon town centre, is a big part of the ongoing redevelopment in the area, and officially opened in April of last year.

Local VIPs including Justin Tomlinson MP and Sir Robert Buckland MP, as well as pupils from Ferndale and Lethbridge Primary Schools and Nyland School,  attended the grand opening at the time. 

Local charities supported by Zurich Community Trust were also welcomed, including Big Breakfast Plus, The Harbour Project, Mind Swindon and Gloucester, Swindon Carers Centre, The Recovery Tree, and Swindon Women’s Aid. 

When Unity Place opened, Tim, Bailey, CEO of Zurich UK, said: “Having grown up in Swindon, it’s great to be able to give something back to the community I had such a great start in. It’s crucial we can give local people the chance to build a career in their hometown. This includes investing in a building that will enhance the lives of employees and the wider community.

“Zurich is pleased to support Swindon Borough Council and the Government’s continued investment in the town, to encourage local economic growth. We look forward to strengthening our strong links with local schools, businesses, and our charity partners through the work of ZCT.”

Unity Place was the first new office block in the town for three decades and will be staying for at least another two decades after signing a 20-year lease for the new building. 

The company has been in Swindon since 1970.