NATIONAL Savings bosses have denied Fylde jobs are in danger over plans to transfer some of its operations to India.

The move - by National Savings sub-contractor, Siemens Business Services (SBS) - could see more than 100 "routine administration tasks" shipped out to companies in India.

Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) leaders have already asked members to mount a major campaign opposing the move.

But a spokesman for the Preston New Road-based Premium Bonds company told reporters: "It is not about shunting British jobs to India."

This is not the first time National Savings have caused concern over Fylde job safety. The government-owned group attracted widespread criticism after transferring 1,000 staff jobs to SBS under a Private Public Partnership in 1999.

The latest move - hailed as part of a new "cost efficient" strategy - comes hot on the heels of a move by National Savings bosses to extend the SBS contract for a further five years.

PCS branch secretary Duncan Wilding said: "Government ministers promised that, when Siemens took over National Savings, the account would not be broken up and the company would be able to make a profit without risking the job security, pensions or terms and conditions of staff. If the plan to offshore jobs goes ahead hundreds of PCS members will feel betrayed as those assurances will not have been worth a bean.

"There is no benefit for the UK Government, the taxpayer or National Savings customers in this proposal It is purely aimed at saving the private contractor millions of pounds over the life of the contract.

"The UK Government should set an example to UK industry.

"It must reject off-shoring Government work. It should not sanction the exploitation of workers abroad especially where that is only for the purpose of increasing the return for the private contractor."