HUNDREDS of workers could be thrown a jobs lifeline following the decision to axe a Cumbernauld call centre which handles inquiries from Goldfish and Morgan Stanley credit card holders.

Around 900 jobs are to go after Barclaycard announced it is to shut down the call centre and move the work to England, as revealed in later editions of last night's Evening Times.

Frantic attempts are now being made to try to find a major employer prepared to move into the hi-tech building in Hunt Hill.

First Minister Alex Salmond and his ministerial team have already had exploratory talks with Barclaycard which bought out rival Goldfish for £35million just three months ago.

Shocked staff were yesterday told that a 90-day consultation period was being launched and that an unspecified number of workers would be offered redeployment elsewhere.

Some are believed to have broken down in tears when told their work was being transferred to three other Barclaycard call centres in England.

Scotland's Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said he was "extremely disappointed" but revealed: "Both the First Minister and I have been in contact with the company and officials have been actively exploring all possible avenues of assistance to allow Barclaycard to continue its presence in Cumbernauld.

"We'll continue that work throughout the consultation period and beyond."

But Barclaycard is not expected to overturn the closure decision and the minister said efforts would be made to try to find an alternative owner for the state-of-the-art call centre.

It's one of the biggest in Scotland and Mr Mather wants to see it remain open.

He added: "We will also be exploring how we can help the workforce move into new employment in the industry."

The Scottish Government was ready to help find employment if workers lose jobs through an initiative called the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment.

The closure of the centre has sparked a furious reaction from Jim McCabe, leader of North Lanarkshire Council.

He attacked the bank giant by commenting: "I am bitterly disappointed in the lack of loyalty that Barclaycard has shown to the Scottish workforce."