A MINIBUS load of Ukrainians is travelling from London to work at Wincanton Logistics on the West Wilts Trading Estate, Westbury.

One employee has spoken out against the move, saying he could not believe it was cheaper for the company to recruit people from outside the area.

He said: "They are taking work away from local people. I've heard they come from an agency called Good Trading in London and they cannot speak a word of English."

The minibus arrives at the warehouse and distribution firm in the early afternoon and the Russians work the 2pm-10pm shift from Monday to Saturday. Their main duty is to sort orders for Comet stores.

The employee said the run up to Christmas was Wincanton Logistics' busiest time of the year and the new recruits were creating some communication problems.

"Whenever there is a problem they just say 'no speak English'. They are supposed to have an interpreter, but I don't know who he is," he said.

The firm employs about 100 people, rising to 130 at peak times.

The employee said: "We have been told everything is above board, but I don't know whether the Department of Employment would like to investigate or not."

Corporate communications manager for Wincanton Logistics John Greenhalgh said: "We have a number of agencies on our roster and one agency does supply some Ukrainian workers who are travelling from wherever. It is only one of a number of agencies we use to cover shortfalls in staffing levels on the site. We pay a market rate for these people and they do speak English as they have to understand our safety regulations."

Mr Greenhalgh admitted the firm employs staff from outside Wiltshire, especially in busy periods, but said it tries to use local agencies, including one in Westbury. He said he could not comment about people in the area who cannot find work, as he is based at the head office in Wincanton.

However, a spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "The unemployment level for Trowbridge, Warminster and Westbury is 1.2 per cent. At this stage, Wincanton Logistics is not an employment service issue so we cannot comment further."