Angered by MOD’s plan to relocate thousands of jobs to the South-west, they are voting on a work-to-rule that is likely to include adhering to job descriptions, working conditioned hours only, no overtime working and full compliance with health and safety procedures.

MOD wants to collocate staff who work for the Defence Logistics Organisation around the country with the Defence Procurement Agency, based in Bristol. Four hundred staff are affected at DLO sites under threat, which include Andover, Caversfield, Telford, Wyton/Brampton and Yeovilton/Sherborne.

Prospect national secretary Steve Jary said: "A final decision by the department is expected in the next few weeks. The purpose of the action is to demonstrate to the department the strength of feeling among our members. They are determined to stop the proposed collocation and secure commitments for no compulsory redundancies or transfers."

The ballot closes on September 22. Members of the Public and Commercial Services union in MOD are conducting a similar ballot.