UP to 200 jobs could be lost in Southampton as part of a nationwide jobs cull at HSBC bank.
Staff told the Daily Echo of their shock and outrage at the announcement, which is expected later this afternoon, and will see a total of 1,700 jobs shed across the UK.
The call centre in the bank's Nelson's Gate offices in the city centre is to shut next June with roles transferred to Leeds.
Bosses blamed "tough and challenging times" for the move, which is expected to save £2.37m.
Union Unite said the cuts would be centred on HSBC sites in Southampton, Southend, Leicester and Sheffield and would bring the total number of job losses at the bank to 4,600 so far this year.
National officer Rob MacGregor described the move as a ''fundamental mistake''.
''The union does not believe this will do anything to improve the company's future performance,'' he said.
''HSBC should think again before cutting its skilled and dedicated workers.''
He said many of the staff affected earned as little as £14,000 per year.
