Workers at sportscarmaker TVR, Blackpool, are to be represented by the Transport & General Workers' Union as rumours persist of a switch of production to Russia.

Local union leaders say they have been working over many months to win recognition. They entered a formal application in May this year. Since then there has been a critical examination of the membership claims by the T&G as well as a detailed assessment of what the bargaining unit will cover.

The T&G, will now negotiate on pay, hours and holidays for 305 employees.

Nikolai Smolensky, the 24-year old Russian, bought TVR from Peter Wheeler for a reported £15m last month. The former chairman of Russian bank OVK, rejected any large-scale restructuring of the business.

The union argues that Smolensky would not have gone to Blackpool to discuss employee matters such as the works canteen if he was planning such a move to Russia.

Source: autowired.com