TWO senior officials from trade union Prospect were giving out cream eggs to staff arriving for work at QinetiQ, Malvern's largest employer.

President Alan Grey and deputy general secretary Garry Graham were at the company's St Andrew's Road gate on Tuesday morning as part of the union's campaign for renewed recognition.

Unions have not been recognised at the technology form since February 2012.

Mr Graham said: "We were giving out the cream eggs because we're close to Easter, and because the theme of our protest is a chicken-and-egg situation.

"We know there are staff members who would join there was union recognition, but we need people to join to strengthen the case for union recognition.

"This is not a radical workforce here in Malvern, but there is a dignified demand for an independent voice for the staff."

A QinetiQ spokesman said: “We are continuing to have discussions with Prospect about how we can work together moving forward. Employees are free to join a trade union or not and we would not stand in anyone’s way if they wanted to join a trade union.

"For the last 24 months the Employee Engagement Group, our elected staff consultative body, has proven to be a success, representing all of our employees on key issues affecting QinetiQ’s present and future.”