Union leaders hope to persuade insurance company bosses against shedding jobs in Sussex.

Dozens of staff at Norwich Union's Worthing offices are facing compulsory redundancy because of the work switch to Delhi, Bangalore and Pune.

Today Amicus representatives are meeting Norwich Union chiefs to discuss the relocation of 2,350 clerical and call centre jobs from the UK to India.

The decision, announced yesterday, has left thousands of workers facing an uncertain future with the prospect of 500 job losses nationally.

Norwich, which made £1.8 billion last year, is one of Worthing's biggest employers and the biggest insurance company in Britain, with more than 1,000 staff based at its offices in The Warren.

Boss Richard Harvey said the firm had to remain competitive following similar 'off-shore' moves by BT, Abbey, American Express and Prudential.

Brian Harris, regional officer for Amicus, said: "We will be trying to persuade Norwich Union to change its mind. We think this decision is deplorable and motivated entirely by greed."

Sue Winston, head of media relations at Norwich Union, said: "About 40 positions will go at Worthing but that does not necessarily mean 40 job losses.

"Other vacancies and opportunities are opening up all the time - but we can not rule out compulsory redundancy."

Thursday December 04, 2003