HUNDREDS of workers at a national building society's call centre in Hampshire are today celebrating job security.

Staff at Abbey's Segensworth offices feared for their livelihoods amid speculation that their work would be exported to India.

The Abbey axe instead fell on centres in Derby, Warrington and Bradford.

As reported in later editions of the Daily Echo yesterday, 400 jobs are being moved to India to reduce overhead costs for the company, formerly known as Abbey National.

Fears were raised that the Segensworth centre that is one of the biggest employers at the Solent business Park, near Fareham, would be one of the main casualties of the proposed move to India.

Union officials confirmed, however, that no jobs would be lost in the Hampshire centre as a result of the relocation.

Staff at Abbey's personal loan and mortgage processing centre in Whiteley had been left with an uncertain future since the rumours of a move to India first began in July.

Civic leaders warned that if the processing centre at the Whiteley business park were relocated abroad it could have a huge impact on the area.

Fareham leader Sean Woodward said the announcement would be a relief to staff employed at Segensworth, but added: "I think any company that moves its call centres abroad is making one of the worst decisions imaginable.

"Having used a call centre myself that has relocated abroad, I can say it is the most appalling service I have ever had."