WORKERS at a Chippenham meat processing firm are angry they have been ordered to work the Queen's Jubilee bank holiday while colleagues in Corsham have the day off.

Production line staff at Hygrade's Chippenham factory were told this week they will have to work either the Sunday or Monday of the June bank holiday.

But they say colleagues at the Corsham factory have been told they can have the day off as they supply Waitrose, which does not open on Mondays.

Staff at Chippenham are being given the choice of working either Sunday or Monday, and are being offered triple time pay.

One production line worker said: "Money is not the issue, it's because it's the Queen's Jubilee and people want to have the time off to take part in the celebrations and be with their families.

"Chippenham supplies Tesco and they will be opening over the bank holiday, so we have to work to keep them supplied. It is only us on the Chippenham production line who have to work."

A notice sent to all staff said: "As the Queen's Jubilee bank holiday falls on a Monday, which is a normal working day, the majority of staff will be required to work.

"The company is sensitive to the public mood and the wish to celebrate this event. Should there be no operational requirement for staff to work they will be given the day off."

Company human resources director Irene Greener said discussions were being held with staff at each site.

She said: "We are in consultations with our employees about the Jubilee weekend. Our staff are contracted to work Monday to Friday and this bank holiday falls on a Monday which is a normal working day.

"The decision is that if there is a business need for them to work, then they will have to work, as the business has to come first."

She said staff who were not needed would have the day off, and those working were being offered triple pay.

She said: "We have said we will try to get ahead over the previous days but as we deal with a fresh product it is not that easy.

"We have offered people the choice of working the Sunday or the Monday, but the majority have come back and said they would prefer to work the Monday.

"All the shops will be open so many other people will be working that Monday. The Tuesday is also a bank holiday, so it is very difficult for businesses like ours."