Senior scientists and engineers at QinetiQ (a privatized defense research agency that employs over 7,000 staff in the UK) have voted overwhelmingly to support a campaign of strikes.

Its 2,000 members voted by 3-1 to support the campaign. 72% voted in favor of industrial action after the company imposed a pay freeze. The company is owned by the Carlyle Group. Earlier industrial action was voted for in 1981 by the scientists when Margaret Thatcher's government repudiated to agree to a new pay deal.

Other form of industrial actions, such as a ban on overtime was also backed up.

According to David Luxton, National officer, "We will finalize our plan of action following a meeting of all QinetiQ unions on June 8. Our overriding focus will be to persuade the company that there needs to be a genuine dialogue on the way forward if we are to avoid disruption to the work of the company in the coming months."

He further said that the ballot demonstrated the strength of feeling among members.

QinetiQ operates over 40 sites. It provides vital facilities at Farnborough in Hampshire, Malvern in Worcestershire and Boscombe Down, Wiltshire.