An MP has branded plans to close a Sussex finance centre and move the operation to India as a betrayal of employee loyalty.

The Argus revealed last month that Barclays bosses were considering axing their sales and finance branch in Hastings as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

If agreed, the service would be transferred to India, where cheap labour costs make it an attractive destination for businesses.

Managers have told Hastings MP Michael Foster that fewer than 200 jobs would be affected even though 350 people work at the branch.

But he said: "I acknowledge it is not just Barclays exporting British jobs but Barclays employees in Hastings have been making good profits for the company and it is not only short-sighted but a betrayal of employee loyalty when companies act like this.

"We are hoping to stop any loss of jobs but will be telling Barclays that even if particular jobs are carried out elsewhere, Hastings provides an ideal centre for the creation of other areas of work."

Members of Unifi, the union which represents bank workers, have threatened industrial action should jobs be axed.

Secretary Mick McTiernan said the group would oppose compulsory redundancies "by any means necessary".

A feasibility study is being carried out by Barclays, which says no firm decisions have yet been made.

Mr Foster has written several letters to the bank's chief executive, Matt Barrett, demanding reassurances and accusing the company of greed.

Mr Foster said any move away from Hastings would come as a "smack in the teeth" for employees.

Transferring services overseas has become an attractive option for large firms, including HSBC bank.

The bank has already transferred about 4,000 call centre and back-office jobs away from Britain.

Mr Foster and Jeremy Birch, leader of Hastings Borough Council, are due to meet Barclays managers in the next two weeks to discuss the plans.

Mr Foster said: "I have no objection at all to investing in the developing world, particularly if existing arrangements are failing.

"But it is a smack in the teeth for employees that multinationals are prepared to abandon a responsible and dedicated workforce.

"Local call centre staff are doing a brilliant job and making profits for the company. This is simply greed on the part of Barclays management."

A decision on the job cuts is expected to be announced in January.