Almost 1,000 people work at the call centre

Members of finance union Unifi are being balloted over the next few weeks after the move, which would lead to the loss of 1,000 jobs in Newcastle, was revealed.

Bernadette Fisher, national officer of Unifi, said: "Staff at the call centre feel completely let down that the bank is putting profits before people.

"They want the opportunity to voice their disgust at the way they are being treated."

The result of the ballot will be announced just before Christmas, when union leaders will decide on their next move.

A spokeswoman for Lloyds TSB has said the decision to close had been a difficult one and any staff reductions would hopefully be made through staff turnover and redeployment.

The call centre is due to close by the end of next year.