Strike threat over closure of steelworks

The company announced last month that 1,700 jobs would go at Teesside Cast Products in Redcar in two weeks' time.

But earlier this week, the company said it would consider postponing closure, giving more for a buyer to be found.

Yesterday the Community Union said the "lack of honest talk" from Indian-owned Tata Corus could spark industrial action.

Its general secretary Michael Leahy said: "Tata Corus has got to be clear about their intentions and should act in the best interests of their workforce.

"Community Union will fight for a future for steel-making in Teesside because closure would be industrial sabotage and environmental vandalism."

He accused Tata Corus of not wanting to find a solution and added "if Tata Corus don't start talking honestly about alternatives we might seek an industrial solution.

"We need more time to look at all the options – if government money is part of the solution – we want to go jointly as Tata Corus and the unions to make a united case."