A trade union is battling to increase its membership at American Express amid job worries.

Representatives from Amicus-MSF handed out 1,000 leaflets to Amex workers outside the company's European headquarters in Edward Street, Brighton, yesterday.

The financial services giant sparked concern that jobs may go after The Argus revealed it had set up a call centre in India as part of a pilot scheme.

The company has sought to reassure employees it plans to remain in Brighton.

Union sector secretary Digby Jacks said: "We have been contacted by members who are either concerned about job security or simply want some advice.

"If workers at Amex want to initiate a dialogue with their employers about their employment and the business structure, we can help them."

Brighton Kemp Town MP Des Turner, an Amicus-MSF member, attended the event.

He said: "At the moment Amex is very much a non-union company. What we are seeking to do is encourage workers to take an interest in what Amicus offers."

The union has less than 100 members out of Amex's 3,000 staff in Sussex.

If ten per cent of a workforce are union members, employees can be balloted on if they want the union to be recognised.