ONE of Bournemouth and Poole’s biggest employers has announced 150 new jobs.

LV=, which has its head office at County Gates, said record growth over the past year meant it was expanding its 2,000-strong work force in the area.

The majority of the roles will be in handling car insurance claims and the staff based there will be the first point of contact for customers making claims.

The president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce has welcomed the “fantastic” news.

LV= said it had “grown significantly” in the last few years and was now the UK’s fourth biggest car insurer.

David Smith, LV= HR director, said: “LV= is going through a period of significant growth, so it’s a very exciting time to join us.

“Bournemouth is the head office of the company and provides great career prospects for ambitious individuals.

“As a company we offer employees a competitive salary and a great range of perks, including up to 30 days holiday, a highly competitive pension scheme and a yearly or monthly performance-related bonus.”

Bournemouth Chamber president Nigel Hedges said: “They’re good with people and I know from the fact that my daughter works there it’s a great place to work.

“It’s a really good bit of news and will be welcomed. The fact that this is a nice place to live is keeping companies like LV= here.”

LV= said many of its staff progressed into management roles having started out in customer services.

There are also jobs available across other areas, including IT, marketing and finance.

The firm also offers life insurance, pensions, retirement solutions, pet, home, travel and commercial insurance. It employs more than 4,800 staff across 20 offices.