Workers have handed a petition to their bosses demanding improvements to "Victorian" working conditions.

Almost 300 staff signed the document, which was presented to management at Gardners Books in Eastbourne this morning.

Officials from the Graphical, Paper and Media Union (GPMU) made three demands.

They want workers to receive their £15 night shift payment even when they are on holiday and for overtime be agreed with workers in advance.

They also say workers who refuse to opt out of the maximum working week should not be penalised with reduced overtime payments.

GPMU mid-southern branch secretary John Bunn was joined by Eastbourne's Labour parliamentary hopeful Gill Roles at the firm's base on the Highfield Industrial Estate, Whittle Drive.

Mr Bunn said: "Although the company continuously makes very healthy profits, the treatment of Gardners' workers is nothing short of disgraceful.

"Some of the working conditions are reminiscent of Victorian times not the 21st century."

As staff filed into work this morning, many said they were eager to see a change in conditions.

One said: "We often get asked to do overtime at a moment's notice, which you feel obliged to do, and when you do it there is no gratitude."

Another, who has worked for the firm for 12 years, added: "Conditions have become a lot better since the union became involved but it's still a long way from being perfect."

In October, the firm created 200 jobs after it took over the former Berk Pharmaceuticals building. The company, which now has about 1,000 employees, started out with just 15 and was based in Bexhill.

It moved to the Highfield industrial estate in Eastbourne seven years ago.

The company declined to comment today.