WATERED-down trade union rights have brought a furious response from Burnley MP Peter Pike.

He says workers have been put under duress and in fear of losing their jobs by giant public services group United Utilities - formed following the takeover of NorWeb by North West Water.

The Labour MP has written to group chairman Sir Desmond Pitcher, expressing serious concerns over the methods used in transferring staff to a new subsidiary company, Vertex.

He says: "It is quite clear from employees who have spoken to me that those that have transferred to personal contracts have done so, in the main, under duress and in fear of losing their jobs."

He adds that the intention to remove trade union recognition rights for the five trade unions involved with the company "is to be deplored and is a retrograde step."

His letter goes on: "The direction in which United Utilities is moving gives me cause for grave concern.

"I urge you and the board to drop this proposal immediately and to resume normal discussions with all the trades unions representing your workforce immediately."

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