More to face the axe at Direct Line

Direct Line may shed a further 236 staff as it chases cost savings of £100m by the end of 2014.

The news came after the insurer said last month it planned to cut 70 senior posts, including chief operating officer Jonathan Davidson, having previously slashed 900 roles.

Meanwhile, fellow insurer Aviva announced 120 jobs are at risk at its repair service Asprea's office in Sheffield.