THE AA has laid off around 40 employees from its finance department, citing efforts to increase "operational flexibility”.

The announcement comes just months after the AA committed to staying in Basingstoke by signing a contract for its new headquarters.

The company, which announced its relocation to new premises in Basingstoke after it put its historic headquarters in Basing View up for sale nearly two years ago, said the decision to lay off employees “was not made lightly”.

It also said the affected employees are being supported.

READ MORE: AA signs contract on new Basingstoke HQ at Mountbatten House

A spokesperson said: “The AA, working with its recognised Trade Union, has consulted on some changes to its finance function in order to increase operational flexibility. These changes have resulted in a small number of roles being made redundant. 

“As a responsible employer, this decision was not made lightly and The AA is supporting all colleagues impacted through these changes.”

The spokesperson said the number of jobs cut represents approximately only half of one per cent of total employees.

As previously reported, it was announced in October that the AA would relocate to the former Mountbatten House site in Basing View after Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council gave a green light for the car insurance company to surrender its lease for its historic headquarters – Fanum House.

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The AA is expected to occupy 41,000 square feet of space at the new headquarters after this summer when the refurbishment is completed.

The Gazette specifically enquired whether the reduced jobs would be outsourced, but the AA declined to provide further comment.

We are keen to hear from anyone who was affected by these layoffs. If you lost your job at the AA recently and know anyone who did, contact us by writing to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk.