Prospect and the Public and Commercial Services union took this decision after FSS management alleged that proper notice of the strike action had not been given, as required by law.

Both unions are clear that they did provide full notice of the action but have agreed to resubmit the notice of action and to reschedule the one-day strike for the following week.

Prospect and PCS represent 2,700 scientists and support staff in FSS, which has seven laboratories around the country. The dispute is over management’s refusal to increase a pay offer to staff of 1.125%, overdue from July 2003.