The work will switch work to China, India and Malysia Read the full story here

As part of a UK wide plan to export 4,000 customer service jobs from the UK, Swansea Enterprise Park complex is one of four in Britain which will be affected.

One worker said she was shocked at the decision: "We have been told not to speak to anyone but I can tell you we are devastated," she said.

"HSBC likes to claim it is the world's bank, but people feel betrayed that it is exporting jobs to India."

Many workers arriving at the centre said they were under strict instructions not to speak to the press but revealed widespread anger at the decision.

Another woman said: "You can imagine how people feel. We've all got mortgages and families so this is very bad news.

The feeling now is that if they don't lose their jobs this time it will go abroad at some time in the future Swansea worker

"Everybody here thought that jobs were secure.

"The feeling now is that if they don't lose their jobs this time it will go abroad at some time in the future, morale is low," she added.

Others, however, felt their jobs would not be among those being lost.

Kelly Davies said: "I'm fine about it. I do not feel my job is at risk."

Kate Hall, 20, a customer services representative, said: "I don't feel this affects me but we are being given strict instructions not to speak to the press."

HSBC has confirmed that the work will be transferred to China, India and Malaysia by the end of 2005.

Jobs will also be lost from sites in Birmingham, Sheffield and Brentwood.