Insurance firm's jobs boost

Ian Pearson: Delighted by the American Life move

An American insurance company is set to create 120 jobs in Northern Ireland.

American Life is part of the American International Group - one of the 10 largest companies by turnover in the world.

It currently employs 25 people at its headquarters in Belfast.

The company's offices were opened on Monday by Cathy Hurst public affairs attache from the American Consulate General.

The firm said it wanted to recruit a sales force of consultants.

Belfast Branch Manager Patrick O'Donnell said: "We're looking to build a total sales force of 500 across Ireland, with around 150 consultants in Northern Ireland.

"A number of other insurance and financial services providers have shut down their sales force and stopped face-to-face meetings with customers over recent years.

"But American Life has built its reputation and business on the local community approach - selling financial solutions to real people - and that is what we are intending to do here in Northern Ireland."

Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson said he was delighted by the American Life move.

"They are one of the most significant insurance companies worldwide," he said.

"Their arrival in Northern Ireland is a positive endorsement of the strength of the local economy."