Wembley workers in crucial talks

Unions have told their members to keep on working

Contractors helping to build the new Wembley Stadium are to hold crucial talks to try to avoid workers being laid off in a pay dispute.

Steelworkers, scaffolders and welders were told on Monday they would be sent home next week unless subcontractors were paid.

The pay row is the latest incident to affect the much-delayed £750m project.

Union officials want meetings with managers following the talks, so they can tell members what is happening.

'Finish the job'

The Wembley construction work is being carried out by Australian firm Multiplex.

The talks will be held between it and steel subcontractor Hollandier, as well as the employment agency Fast Track.

Tom Kelly, national officer of the GMB union, said: "We need to be told by Thursday what is happening because we are seriously committed to finishing the Wembley project.

Delays have plagued the project

"We have instructed our members to carry on working normally until we have an opportunity to resolve the matter.

"The stadium is not finished and someone will have to employ our members to finish the job."

Amicus has also told its members to continue working while the talks continue.

Meanwhile, Multiplex said there was "minor damage" to the Wembley roof from what it called "hot works", a process which is believed to involve molten metal.

"Rectification will be carried out and is allowed for in the contract," said a Multiplex spokesman. "No leaks have occurred in this minor damage."

Last week, a roof beam collapsed, resulting in building work being cancelled for a day. There have also been problems with underground sewer pipes at the stadium.

May's FA Cup final was transferred to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium because of fears the stadium would not be ready in time for the event.