Prospect national secretary, David Luxton, said: "We are now confident that the average increase will be well in excess of the original 2 per cent offer and the rate of inflation.

"We have had a further positive reassurance from the chief executive that the company remains committed to the principles of the 2004 pay agreement, which had been a bone of contention. This will ensure that pay rates in QinetiQ properly reflect the median of the market rate for the job.

"There will be a formal review later in the year of the pay of those business areas that opted only to pay 1 per cent."

Prospect represents 3,000 scientists and other specialists within the company.