STUNNED staff at a major company have been left reeling after bosses announced they are set to axe more than 30 jobs at its Greenock base.

Cigna — a global healthcare firm previously lauded for its investment and expansion locally — is now primed for a major redundancy exercise.

A source close to the situation told the Telegraph yesterday that as many as 34 jobs at Cigna's offices on Knowe Road and Riverside Business Park, off Pottery Street, are to go in the cost-cutting drive.

The firm did not deny that figure when we contacted them about the apparently imminent staffing reductions.

A company spokesperson said: "The welfare of our employees is of utmost importance to us and we are committed to supporting them throughout this process."

Cigna created 50 new jobs in 2011 as it expanded its Greenock operation and took up new office space at Riverside Business Park.

James Parker, managing director at Cigna UK Healthcare Benefits [UKHB] said at the time: "This is a great opportunity for us to grow our UK healthcare business and continue to operate within Inverclyde."

Former Scottish Government enterprise minister Fergus Ewing opened the company's new Greenock offices the following year, stating that the move was 'testament to skills of the local workforce'.

The then-chief executive of Scottish Development International, Anne MacColl, said: "Cigna UKHB's commitment to its Greenock base is further evidence of Scotland's growing reputation as the ideal place to locate and do business."

Cigna is an American worldwide health services organisation, providing employers with affordable insurance plans and it supplies services in more than 200 countries and jurisdictions.

However, the impending jobs blow highlights a shift in the company's commitments and thinking towards its Inverclyde operation.

The firm's UK spokesperson said: "Following a comprehensive business review of our UK finance operating model, we have decided to extend our relationship with our long-term consulting and financial partners.

"This evolution of our UK Finance Model aligns with our growth strategy and commitment to outstanding customer service.

"We anticipate some redundancies, subject to employee consultation.

"We have communicated with impacted employees and will liaise with elected employee representatives to work through the specific implications."

Inverclyde Council told the Telegraph that the redundancies were 'disappointing news'.

A spokesman said: "We would hope that as many of the redundancies as possible would be voluntary rather than compulsory and that Cigna support their employees fully throughout the process.”