TRADE unions representing workers at the Hygrade Foods factories in Chippenham and Chard have been banned from a task group set up to help the 850 members of staff who will lose their jobs.

The task group, set up by Jobcentre Plus, brings together bodies such as the Learning and Skills Council, Regional Development Agency and local authorities but the unions have not been invited to attend.

Trade unions have been leading protests against the job losses and pressing management for better redundancy terms and their officials are shocked not to be invited to attend the task group.

Hugh Kirkbride, the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G) officer in Chippenham, said: "The workforce and communities of Chard and Chippenham are angry at the way Hygrade has treated them. "It's disappointing to see public agencies such as Jobcentre Plus in an unholy alliance with the company to stop us from supporting people who are about to lose their jobs."

In Denmark, Hygrade's parent company, Tulip Foods negotiated a social plan with the unions, which helped offset the pain of two factory closures there, and the unions in the UK want to see a similar deal for British workers.

The T&G is asking for a £1,000 redundancy package for each worker at the Westmead Lane factory for every full year of service, a relocation package and loyalty bonuses. Nigel Costley, regional secretary for the south west TUC, said: "Unions have a right to sit on these sorts of response groups to give workers a voice around the table, but they also have a very positive contribution to make by helping people with their skills and search for new employment."

Hygrade Foods is a member of the task group and because the company is not in agreement with the unions, Jobcentre Plus decided it would not be possible to allow trade union officials to attend.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "The employer is a key member of the task force and consequently needs to be in full agreement with the membership.

"On behalf of all the members, Jobcentre Plus will meet other organisations, such as trade unions, to consider what they may contribute in helping the workforce."