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The union fears a "divide-and-rule approach" Ford says it has contingency plans in case of industrial action. Seven hundred drivers who deliver Ford vehicles are being balloted over industrial action after the car manufacturer said it was planning to outsource its contracts. Ford says it currently has five-year agreements with seven companies to deliver its vehicles, including Walon, Ansa and ECM, but  these are about to come up for renewal. It says it gave notice three months ago that it intended to put the contracts out to tender the deadline is the end of this month.

However the T&G section of Unite says Ford's decision to "market test" was viewed as a "clear attempt to undermine the job security and the terms and conditions of our members in those companies." The union has previously claimed that Ford's decision reneges on a promise not to outsource its car transportation work Ford describes this as "hearsay". The T&G national secretary for transport, Ron Webb, says: "All the employers know we will protect our industry, our organisation and our members' pay and jobs. We won't allow this process to be an opportunity for a divide-and-rule approach by this manufacturer and some car-delivery companies."

A Ford spokesman says: "It isn't Ford employees that are involved. We are aware of the ballot. The drivers' employers will be informed  of the outcome of the ballot." When asked how any industrial action will affect Ford, the spokesman says: "We'll have that chat when we have that dispute. As ever, there are contingency plans." Walon, Ansa and ECM would not comment.