The agreement follows a decision in the union’s favour by the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), the government body that rules on union recognition. Amicus brought the case after it failed to secure agreement from the Liverpool-based firm even though 77% of the workforce were union members.

Amicus GPMS head of organising Bernard Rutter said: "We hope the company will now work with Amicus to negotiate a proper recognition agreement that will be beneficial to both the management and our members."

The CAC awarded recognition without a ballot because Amicus had secured union membership 26% above the legal requirement. Amicus and G&H will now meet with a view to reaching an agreement before 21 May 2007.