Firm axes nearly 190 finance jobs

The company is axing 188 jobs in order to save money

Nearly 190 jobs are being axed at an American Express finance centre in West Sussex following months of speculation.

Around 350 jobs had been under review at the offices in Burgess Hill since February this year.

The company has now decided to transfer work overseas to take advantage of cheaper labour costs.

In a statement, the company said it was working closely with affected employees "to ensure they receive the necessary support at this time".

Staff 'not consulted'

The majority of the positions which are being axed will move to American Express Finance Centres in Phoenix and India, it said.

"We would like to stress that this decision was only taken after careful consideration," the statement added.

The union Amicus, which represents staff at the firm, has claimed staff were not consulted over the decision.

A spokesman said it was concerned for other employees at Burgess Hill, as well as for those working in its Brighton office.

American Express employs around 4,000 workers in Sussex.