By Mark Mackay

INSURANCE GIANT Norwich Union yesterday announced that it is to close the Healthworks staff leisure centre at its Pitheavlis offices in Perth, with the loss of 44 jobs.

The company said it took the decision as only a small percentage of its staff make use of the facilities.

The closure will come into force at the end of April and affects 12 full and 32 part-time staff employed by Sodexho, the site operator.

Staff leisure facilities in Norwich and Worthing are also to close.

Local politicians were disappointed by the news.

“I have always felt that taking action to prevent ill-health and promote fitness and well-being makes good business sense for all employers,” said Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart.

“I strongly believe that a fit and healthy employee suffers less from instances of sickness and therefore absence, which can only be beneficial for both the company and the individual.

“It is estimated that more than half the population does not participate in levels of physical activity that promotes good health.

“As inactivity is a major risk factor for diseases such as coronary heart disease, this can place a serious or major burden on the health of the workforce.”

However, Mr Wishart said he has been “reassured” that Norwich Union remains committed to encouraging staff to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

Depute provost Willie Wilson said staff will feel badly let down.

“I am disappointed at this decision and will ask Norwich Union about the usage of the facility and what alternatives they intend to offer staff and families in the future,” he said.

Norwich Union said yesterday that alternative arrangements will be put in place to ensure its staff continue to enjoy healthy lifestyles.

“We understand that staff who use Healthworks will be disappointed by the announcement,” Norwich Union’s operational services director Mark Hughes said yesterday.

“The decision to close the facility has not been taken lightly.

“We recognised that only a small percentage of our staff use Healthworks and we want to provide consistent leisure benefits to all our staff.”

Mr Hughes said Norwich Union remained committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle.

It is now working with a national provider of discounted gym memberships to provide an alternative to will benefit all staff, including those in Perth.

“To ensure our long-term success as a leading provider of insurance and long-term savings products, it is important that we continue to focus investment on those core businesses,” Mr Hughes added.

The building’s owner, Land Securities Trillium, is considering options for its future use, which may include its retention as a sports and leisure centre.

However, nothing has yet been agreed.

Norwich Union will be consulted as part of the process.

The company is the UK’s largest general insurer, with a market share of around 15%.