Unite, the UK’s biggest trade union, has warned Ford it 'will not stand idly by and allow Ford to use car delivery workers as expendable pawns'.

The warning comes after Ford announced it would put its car transportation and delivery contracts out to market, which Unite says is ‘contrary to earlier assurances’.

Ron Webb, national secretary for transport for the T&G section of Unite, told transport representatives at a national meeting in Birmingham that over 700 drivers who deliver cars across the country will face an uncertain future at work.

Webb told delegates that Ford was acting unlawfully by ignoring the employment transfer arrangements and Unite would mount a robust defence of its members’ livelihoods.

"Ford should be in no doubt that by giving notice to the current contractors they are not abiding by the well established laws covering the transfer of work," said Webb.

"Equally, Ford managers should know that we will robustly defend the interests of our members in any and all contractors affected," he added.

Unite was created earlier this month after the Transport and General Worker’s Union joined with Amicus to create the UK’s largest trade union.