The Secret Intelligence Service staff association has affiliated to the FDA, the union for senior public service managers.

Although SIS (often known as MI6) staff will not become full members of the FDA, the FDA will work closely with the staff association on issues which affect the interests of SIS staff.

The arrangement is designed to improve the access of SIS staff to union support and advice while protecting their personal anonymity and national security.

Forum Response: FDA

Jonathan Baume, general secretary of the FDA, told ePolitix.com: "This is an historic arrangement. Staff in the Secret Intelligence Service have never previously had access to a trade union. The SIS is a vital public service protecting our national security and helping to make Britain a safe place to live in. To help recruit, retain and motivate the highly skilled and capable staff it depends upon, SIS needs to offer excellent employment conditions.

"Like other public servants SIS staff face issues such as training, appraisal, pay, pensions and promotion. The SIS staff association discusses these and other matters with SIS management, and they will now be able to call on the support of the FDA. The FDA will also assist the staff association to deal with individual grievances.

"This new arrangement will help to enhance the overall effectiveness of SIS. It is not only a vote of confidence in the FDA but also recognises the valuable role that constructive trade unions play in work places across the UK. It is a genuine partnership between the staff of SIS, their senior management team and the FDA, helping to deliver a vital - if unusual - public service."