The government has approved moving the Defence Logistics Organisation which supplies the military.

Unions condemned the decision which affects Andover, Hants; Telford, Shropshire; Yeovilton, Somerset; Caversfield, Oxon and Wyton, Cambs.

Its members have voted in favour of a work-to-rule in protest at the plan.

Damaging impact

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said he understood the effect the relocation would have on defence staff.

"The decision I have taken is in the best interests of defence as a whole.

"Those affected by these changes will be treated in a fair end equitable way by the MoD, and will be given appropriate support to minimise any disruption," he said.

Union officials say the move has been "pushed through" with little or no consultation and warned of "significant disruption" as a result of the work-to-rule.

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, said: "Dedicated staff who support our Armed Forces across the globe are dismayed over plans which will not only damage the local economies of the sites affected, but force families to uproot and move to one of the most expensive areas of the country without any guarantee on job security.

"With growing anger over privatisation and job cuts, the MoD need to seriously reconsider plans which lack sound business planning and which will have a damaging impact on the support our Armed Forces receive."