Union leaders have warned Prudential that they will ballot workers to strike unless the insurer axes plans to transfer over 800 jobs to India.
Amicus officials were locked in talks with Prudential chief executive Mark Wood last night, in a bid to halt the job cuts. The union fears the plans could be the catalyst for other financial firms to move jobs overseas.
Prudential stressed that is was committed to opening dialogue with the unions.
Amicus joint general secretary Roger Lyons said: "We made it clear that if the company does not change its mind over the job losses, and doesn't consult us over pensions, a ballot for industrial action will go ahead.
A further meeting will be held between the two sides on Wednesday.
Lyons added: "I hope we can reach an agreement that will save the jobs and the future of the Pru in Reading."
