Norwich Union has denied rumours it plans to sell off one of its key bases in York.

Bosses have confirmed that about 30 workers will be shipped out to its Monks Cross site from Yorkshire House - but said the building remained a key part of its plans in the city.

Staff feared the transfers signalled the end of the company's historic base in Rougier Street, which houses hundreds of administration workers.

About 600 employees are based at the Monks Cross site. A spokesman for Norwich Union said: "A team of around 30 people will be moving to Monks Cross from Yorkshire House on Monday, November 7. "Yorkshire House remains one of Norwich Union's key sites in York."

Updated: 10:12 Saturday, October 22, 2005