Aviva has announced it is to create 50 new jobs in its general insurance business in Galway.

The new roles set to be filled before the end of the year will be in the contact centre, the claims handling team and in the insurer’s new digital hub.

Aviva already has 300 employees working out of its offices in Knocknacarra and today’s announcement will bring to 85 the number of new roles created in 2016.

Michelle White, Chief Operating Officer for Aviva General Insurance, said:

"Our general insurance business is growing steadily and we need more people in our Galway centre to serve our expanding customer base.

"So far this year, we’ve taken on 35 new employees and the additional 50 roles we are announcing today will help us build on the excellent customer service we are providing out of Galway. In addition, we are developing our digital hub in Knocknacarra as we seek to become the easiest insurer for our customers to do business with."

The new Galway Digital Hub will work with the digital team in Dublin to implement the company’s Digital First strategy. Its specific focus will be on making the customer journey online or through the Aviva call centre as simple and convenient as possible.

Ten of the new positions will be for digital developers who will work on the company’s website and on developing mobile applications for customers. The Digital Hub is based in a new workspace in the Knocknacarra building which is designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Aviva says its digital hub also offers opportunities for existing employees to develop and grow their careers. White concluded:

"We have very talented and engaged people working for us in Galway. We want them to broaden their expertise and to help them reach their potential in a growing and sustainable business."