Defra has been rocked by strikes since employees discovered pay rates differed between personnel from the three former departments that comprise the new body and unions are now digging in their heels for a fair deal.

Chiefs at the Public & Commercial Services Union (PCS) are rallying workers for further strikes in Worcester, Crewe and Nottingham this week.

A Defra spokeswoman said there had been little movement since freshinfo.com first reported the story on October 4.

She said: 'Sadly and tragically nothing has really changed. There have not been any developments. Defra recognises that this is something that has to be resolved and we have never said it will not happen, but in the meantime PCS still wants to pursue strike action.' Meanwhile PCS bosses warned the government office that the situation was leading to disenchantment among employees who did not believe the system was fair.

Spokesman Colin Regan said: 'Defra has sparked these strikes by offering no commitment on equal pay. Morale is still rock bottom in what is supposed to be a shiny new ministry because staff are on three different rates. However, Defra has got to settle eventually as we have 11 cases submitted showing unequal pay on gender grounds, though obviously this will take some time to get through the courts.

'In the end, it is all about getting money out of the Treasury, and of course we have a war on now, though this dispute has been going on well before September 11,' he added.

The management structure at Defra management board has been restructured with new executives brought in to oversee the department's agenda.

The reformed set-up will include three business streams – environmental protection, food, farming and fisheries and rural affairs plus three professional streams – science, veterinary advice and legal affairs. Mark Addison has joined the department as director general for operations and services from the crown prosecution service, with Andy Lebrect appointed as director general for food, farming and fisheries.