SHOPWORKERS' union Usdaw is to target Marks & Spencer staff in the North-East as it pushes to become the first recognised union in the store chain's 120-year history.

Usdaw has started a recruitment campaign in the North West and plans to extend it in June.

The retailer, which has 17 stores across the region, is one of the only major high street operations that has no dialogue with a trade union.

Usdaw launched a drive targeting M&S workers last month, saying store staff were unhappy about changes to their working conditions.

John Gorle, Usdaw national officer, said: "We have been inundated with calls and letters from M&S staff across the UK who want union involvement in the business."

The union held a conference for members at the chain, who said they were particularly concerned that the company's internal communication forum - known as the Business Involvement Group (BIG) - was failing to address employees' concerns.

M&S last night said it remained opposed to union involvement in its business.

A spokeswoman said: "BIG representatives are trained and are better placed than anyone outside the business to represent the views of our staff."