Talks over jobs 'disappointing'

Unite said they had been told only foreign workers would be used

A union has described a meeting with employers over using local workers at a new power station in Nottinghamshire as hugely disappointing.

Unite held a protest at the Staythorpe plant, near Newark, on Thursday over claims subcontractors on the project were only using foreign workers.

A spokesman said five hours of talks about the situation had not produced any real solution.

Alstom has said its contractors were actively looking to employ UK workers.

About 50 local builders and technicians demonstrated outside the plant which prompted Alstom to temporarily suspend talks.

Contractors' promise

But once they resumed, Unite claimed no progress was made.

The union spokesman said: "It is hugely disappointing that after more than five hours of talking with these companies they will not listen to reason and ensure that local workers get a chance to work on the construction of this plant.

"All we are asking for is that UK workers get a fair crack of the whip.

"Let local workers show that they have the skills and experience to be the best in the business."

Unite said construction of the gas-fired station could create more than 900 jobs in the local community.