The scientists, represented by the union Prospect, will stage a protest meeting outside the gates of the Bedford site at Thurleigh at lunchtime, 12.30pm on Thursday July 26.

They will be joined by their families to highlight what the union describes as the social destruction that will be caused by relocation.

Prospect argues that QinetiQ’s decision to push ahead with the move despite questions over its benefits to the business, or any opportunities for voluntary redundancy, will effectively force staff to relocate.

On behalf of the 140 members at Bedford, Prospect National Secretary David Luxton, said: "Scientists feel betrayed by the relocation announcement as they believe that the more cost-effective option of moving work to a different site within Bedford has been ignored.

"Many families now face upheaval because of this ill-thought out proposal. On all objective criteria `Bedford is best’ yet the company seem hell-bent on moving despite a lack of convincing evidence that co-location with their Farnborough colleagues will benefit the business.

"On the contrary, we believe the move will weaken QinetiQ’s links with external partners in the Bedford area and benefits such as its proximity to academic centres in Cambridge and Cranfield will be lost.

"Bedfordshire will suffer as high quality scientific and technical jobs leave the region for good. Staff face massive hardship as Farnborough property prices are up to three times dearer than Bedfordshire and there is no sign of any financial assistance from the company to relieve the pain."

Prospect members at Bedford have submitted detailed arguments to QinetiQ to retain the work in Bedford.