It is reported that workers at a Kent steel firm, which has gone into administration, are being given more details about its future.

Thamesteel employs 400 people in Sheerness and is one of the biggest private firms on the Isle of Sheppey.

Workers turning up for their shift on January 25th 2012 were turned away following the news that a deal with a potential investor had fallen through.

Local MP Mr Gordon Henderson said that he was devastated and was seeking a meeting with Business Secretary Vince Cable. He added that "It's an employment disaster. These aren't just my constituents, these are my friends and my neighbors and I'm going to do all I possibly can to help them."

Thamesteel makes steel bars which reinforce cement used in the construction industry. In 2002, it was sold to Allied Steel and Works which then went into liquidation before the plant was acquired by the Saudi based Al Tuwairqi Group.

The company describes itself as one of the fastest growing steel manufacturers in the UK" with annual revenue of more GBP 100 million.

Mr Henderson said his first priority would be to contact the administrator to seek a meeting.

Mr Roy Rickhuss, national officer for the Community Union, said that it was further evidence that construction is in serious decline in the UK. He added that "There has to be something that the government can do about stimulating that part of the economy. There's got to be a plan, at the moment there's no plan, and all we're seeing is manufacturing going down, and these are good quality jobs."

(Sourced from www.bbc.co.uk)