FACTORY workers at the Airsprung group are planning a protest in Swindon over changes to sick pay.

GMB, the trade union for staff at the Wiltshire-based Airsprung Group, will be holding a protest on July 30 outside Next Home Store at the Mannington Retail Park.

The union is saying the group is cutting sick pay for factory workers on the shop floor but refusing to give any details on the amount it will save.

Asia Allison, GMB regional organiser, said: “The workforce are really angry, and demand that they are treated with respect.

“Sick pay is already poor compared to other companies and it is a very physical job on the factory floor, where people suffer from muscle problems and strains.

"Airsprung is seeking to literally take money away from staff who are sick, to boost their profits. You need more than a comfortable bed to get a good night’s sleep, you also need a clear conscience. After attacking the sick pay of their own workers, then we believe the management should be having sleepless nights.

"GMB is calling Airsprung to engage in meaningful negotiations, and until these attacks on sick pay are withdrawn, GMB will be mounting a series of protests outside Airsprung’s customers."

The latest annual accounts for Airsprung Group, which employs more than 500 people in its office in Trowbridge, show a pre-tax profit of £1.66m in the year up to March 2017.