The controversial cost-cutting move, which comes just three weeks after parent company Barclays posted record profits of £11.6billion, will see the much-lauded fraud department merge with an existing centre in the Indian city of Noida.
The decisio
n means that around 140 positions will be axed at the existing UK fraud operations, based in Pavilion Drive, Brackmills. Employees at the centre were informed yesterday and the Chron understands a series of one-to-one meetings between staff and senior managers have been scheduled for the coming days.
Vikki Williams, head of global fraud operations at Barclaycard, said: "By creating a single centre to lead the worldwide fight against fraud, we aim to improve the experience of our customers around the world who unfortunately experience fraud, while maintaining our existing excellent service and increasing efficiency.
"I've spoken to the colleagues impacted by this decision. This is a difficult time for them and we are making a comprehensive package of advice and support available to assist them to find alternative jobs."
It is believed that a number of those people losing their jobs are likely to be offered an alternative position within Barclaycard but the news hit staff hard.
One employee, who asked not to be named, said: "Morale is at an all-time low. The fraud department was performing excellently.
"Fraud was significantly down last year and this is the thanks we get. It's frustrating to say the least, particularly when it comes just a weeks after Barclays announced overall profits of £11.6billion."
But despite the widespread criticism from employees and leaders of the Unite union, the card giant remained confident the move would not result in a poorer service to customers.
A Barclaycard spokesman said: "Fraud is currently managed in individual centres within each country in which Barclaycard issues credit cards.
"This is part of the business' ongoing programme of improving operational efficiency while maintaining the service provided to customers."
