100 jobs at risk in US health benefits company

FEARS were growing last night for the jobs of over 100 workers in Castleisland, Co Kerry, as a US company with a facility in the town confirmed it was reviewing its international operations.

Aetna, a health benefits company based in Hartford, Connecticut, has 101 people employed in Castleisland.

The company has already decided to cut 200 jobs in Dubai, Hong Kong, China and the US, following a decision to outsource customer services.

Company spokesperson Cynthia Michener said a decision in relation to Castleisland would be made in the next month, following consultations with staff locally.

Despite local speculation, the decision had not yet been made, she stressed.

In the second quarter of 2011, she said the company would begin a transition over several months that would improve services to customers and help them compete in the global marketplace.

“Everyone is shocked. This news came out of the blue. Some people have worked here for 20 years. There are married couples working here for years,” said one employee.