Quinn job losses - Any anger at regulator is misdirected

Although clearly expected, the announcement yesterday that 900 jobs are to go at the offices of Quinn Insurance was still traumatic news. It is a devastating blow for people who are going to lose their jobs.

For many people, the loss of a job is probably second only in terms of traumatic impact of a death in the family. The news is, therefore, a human misfortune that will affect the lives of not just the 900 individuals who will be losing their jobs over the next 12 to 15 months, but also possibly thousands of family members who are dependent on those workers and their income.

The biggest job losses will be in Blanchardstown, Co Dublin, where 302 jobs will go. The blow will be felt particularly hard in provincial towns like Cavan and Navan. At the head office in Cavan, 226 out of 700 jobs will be lost, with 121 of those going in the first phase over the next two or three months. In Navan, 109 out of 220 jobs are to go.