Tata workers to march on London

The steelworkers are to stage a protest march in London to keep pressure on the Government to help secure the future of their crisis-hit industry.

Workers from plants across the country will gather in the capital on May 25 before walking past Downing Street and Parliament.

Those taking part work for several companies, including Tata, which has a plant in Hartlepool and is selling its loss-making UK assets, including the huge plant at Port Talbot in south Wales.

The steelworkers will demand that the Government works to ensure a responsible sale of Tata Steel and deliver a proper industrial strategy to support the entire steel sector throughout the current crisis.

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community union, said: “For months, the Save Our Steel campaign has engaged hundreds of thousands of people across the UK.

“This march will bring steelworkers to London to focus all our attention on delivering a clear message to government: save our jobs, support our communities and deliver the fantastic future for British steelmaking we know it can have.”

Dave Hulse, national officer of the GMB, said: “It took the Government a long time to understand how serious this steel crisis is.

“This march will be an opportunity for all unions to send a clear message that we need a long term strategy to support our industry and safeguard vital jobs.”

Harish Patel, national officer of Unite, said: “We have had a lot of warm words about the importance of our steel industry. This march will be about reminding Government that actions speak louder than words.”