Prudential staff will meet today in a last-ditch attempt to avoid industrial action, over the insurer's plans to transfer work to India.

The unions are angry about plans to cut 800 jobs at Reading call centre and move the work abroad to save money. They have called for alternatives to compulsory redundancies.

The union fears the move overseas could start a trend in the financial services sector. However, Prudential refused to change its mind, Amicus said.

Both sides are hoping for a breakthrough when they hold a final scheduled meeting next week. If that fails, the union said it will organise a ballot for industrial action.

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