STAFF at Norwich Union have agreed to co operate with a team of consultants hired by the company to review the Irish operation's efficiency. The staff voted to co operate yesterday, having previously refused until management had provided more information about the consultants' work. A spokesman for the Manufacturing, Science and Finance Union, which represents many of the 550 staff members at Norwich, said the company had agreed to set up a consultative process.

The new system means that any changes which will impinge on staff in terms of job security, pay or conditions will be discussed and agreed with staff before implementation.

The consultant, Coopers & Lybrand, is spending eight weeks examining all aspects of the company's business in Ireland.

The review comes as the company's parent in Britain is considering a public flotation.