MPs today joined the women's union in calling on Eurostar to drop its "ridiculous" insistence that the women cannot wear trousers.

The GMB union is preparing employment tribunal cases on behalf of Debbie Sheen, 37, and Lynn McKay, 35, both from London, on grounds of sex discrimination and breach of contract.

The two women have been off work without pay for three weeks since they were escorted from the Eurostar terminal at Waterloo in central London where they had worked for more than a year.

Glenda Jackson gives both women her backing

The two women said they had always worn trousers to work but were told to wear skirts after the security contract was taken over by Securitas.

"We were absolutely devastated and felt humiliated because we were escorted from the station and our security passes were withdrawn," Debbie told a news conference.

"We had always worn trousers because they were more comfortable and practical for the work we did. If there was an incident that required us to run or jump over a barrier, wearing a skirt would be more restrictive."

The two women say they have been told they will be disciplined if they returned to work wearing trousers.

A number of other female security guards did agree to wear skirts but the two women said they were not prepared to give in to management "bullying".

Their stance was backed today by a number of Labour MPs including London Mayoral hopeful Glenda Jackson.

She said: "The policy is a demeaning disgrace from bosses living in the 19th century just as the rest of us are about to enter the 21st century."

Jeremy Corbyn MP: Rules are 'crazy and discriminatory'

Meanwhile Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islingston North, said he believed management was being "ludicrous".

He added: "This is completely crazy and discriminatory. Eurostar ought to be concerned that their workers are doing their jobs properly, not what they are wearing."

Paul Kenny, GMB's regional secretary, said Eurostar had decided to change the dress code of its women security guards, who check passengers and carry out searches of Eurostar trains.

"This case is complete madness and I believe the management are crackers," he said.

"Most Eurostar travellers don't care if staff turn up wearing pit helmets and boots as long as their journey is safe."

Women security guards on the French side of the Channel Tunnel are allowed to wear trousers, added the union.

The GMB is drawing up employment tribunal applications which will be lodged within the next few days unless the dispute is settled.

A spokesman for Eurostar said women security guards only had to wear skirts in the passenger security area "for ease of recognition as much as smartness".