“It should remember that it is its employees and their worldwide reputation for excellence that provide value for the company. It needs to show a clear understanding of the concerns of employees and a willingness to listen and respond to their views as expressed through their union.

“The company wants to cut operating costs, particularly through the current period of turbulence in the defence sector. Unfortunately they also have to rely on defence contracts, which are in sharp decline because of funding constraints at the Ministry of Defence, among others.”

Prospect members are being balloted on new proposals that include changes to redundancy terms and a new pay deal.

Prospect, represents 2,000 specialists at the defence research and technology company QinetiQ.