But the union, which represents 1,300 scientists at FSS, has warned that today’s success is overshadowed by the uncertainty that surrounds the future of the DNA database following the government’s flawed decision to sell-off the national forensic service.

The government announced plans to set up FSS as a public private partnership in July last year with between 51-75% of shares being sold to a private sector investor. But, while the proposals envisage retaining the custodianship DNA database in the public sector, FSS staff are concerned that no further detail has been released on how this will be achieved.

Prospect negotiator Mike Sparham said: "Today’s milestone is undoubtedly a testament to the dedication, impartiality and integrity of FSS’ highly skilled staff who have worked to build what is now one of the most powerful tools in the fight against crime.

"But, given the consequences of any abuse of the information contained in the database, it is unsurprising that these committed staff have very real fears over the custodianship of the database and the future of DNA profiling in the UK. We need to ensure that adequate safeguards will be put in place to prevent this highly sensitive information being misused."

Prospect has complained to the Central Arbitration Committee that FSS has failed to disclose the outline business case for the public private partnership company being proposed, or the future of the DNA database.

The business case, prepared by Price Waterhouse Coopers, has been withheld on the grounds that it is "commercial in confidence". But both Prospect, and its sister union the Public and Commercial Services union, argue that any confidence would be respected and question how the information in the report could be any more sensitive than discussions that have already taken place between themselves and the government advisor.

The unions are also calling for a meeting with Home Secretary David Blunkett to discuss an alternative model for FSS – an Independent Public Owned Corporation along similar lines to the BBC.