EMPLOYEES at an upholstery firm in Melksham are being balloted on trade union recognition, which could give them more say over pay and working conditions.

Up to 240 workers at G Plan Upholstery Ltd, in Hampton Park West, will be voting between January 31 and February 11.

The vote is taking place after half the factory's staff called for union recognition by joining the GMB trade union or signing a petition. The GMB has applied to the Government Centre Arbitration Committee for statutory recognition at the firm, prompting the ballot.

Kevin Brandstatter, GMB union leader for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "Trade union recognition will give the 240 production employees at the factory a direct say in negotiations over pay, hours and holidays and for the first time they will get the chance to vote for their own shop stewards.

"If the vote goes our way this will be the second successful recognition ballet in Wiltshire for GMB."

The GMB secured recognition at Reliance Monitoring Services in Swindon four months ago.