ONE of York's biggest employers today revealed how it has brought a huge boost to good causes in the city.

Norwich Union said it had invested more than £300,000 in community projects since the beginning of 2004, as the insurance giant released details of its voluntary and fundraising work in York to the Evening Press.

According to its community involvement report, staff at Norwich Union have completed almost 2,000 hours of volunteering in the city.

Meanwhile, the company sponsored events including the Evening Press Community Pride and Business Awards, and the BITC Yorkshire and Humber Regional Awards.

As reported previously in the Evening Press, it has invited 53 youngsters to join its biggest work experience programme this year.

A spokeswoman said: "As a large employer in York, Norwich Union has had a major presence in the city.

"The Life, Pensions and Investments Head Office has been one of the city centre landmarks for over ten years, so we thought we would take the opportunity to reflect and look at the influence Norwich Union has had on York and the surrounding area over the past few years."

The company is York's largest private employer, with 3,500 employees - about 3.4 per cent of all the jobs in the city. The company estimates it generates 6.4 per cent of the city's economic activity each year.

Among the schemes to have benefited from Norwich Union's investment is the Stock Market Challenge, which gives secondary school pupils an insight into financial decision making; the North Yorkshire Business Education Partnership (NYBEP), an education business link organisation; and York Cares, an employee volunteer programme.

The spokeswoman added: "Norwich Union strives to be a good corporate citizen, committed to supporting and working in partnership with the communities in which we operate.

"We believe it is important for companies to give something back to their communities, and we see education and working in partnership with schools as one of the most effective ways to invest in the future."

In October, Norwich Union announced record quarterly figures for its life, pension and investment sales.

Between July and September the company made £7.441 billion - £3 million more than the same period last year.

Updated: 10:05 Tuesday, December 06, 2005