A TRADE union which used to represent staff at technology firm QinetiQ has launched an online petition backing its recognition.

QinetiQ management told staff, including the 800 employees at St Andrew’s Road in Malvern in February it would no longer recognise unions.

Instead it would set up an Employee Engagement Group (EEG).

At the time, Prospect, the professional union for scientists and engineers, denounced the move as “crude unionbashing”.

Now the union has launched a petition calling for independent union representation to be restored.

David Luxton, of Prospect, said all employees, whether union members or not, should sign up.

“The formally recognised trade unions provide an independent voice not controlled by QinetiQ senior management, and have substantial back-up resources to provide legal advice, pensions advice, as well as providing experienced negotiators who can speak on behalf of QinetiQ employees without fear,” the union said.

“Withdrawing trades union recognition takes away a fundamental civic right for employees to be represented by independent trade unions, allowing the company to have free reign to drive through changes to terms and conditions of employment.”

Qinetiq said a majority of employees had backed the setting up of the EEG, adding it was “fully committed to constructive discussions with unions about future employee engagement”.