Thamesteel workers given jobs advice at Sheerness support day

Thamesteel employs 400 people at its plant in Sheerness, Kent

Steel workers being made redundant after the collapse of a Kent manufacturing firm are being offered employment advice.

A support day is taking place for the 400-strong workforce of Thamesteel in Sheerness, which went into administration last week.

Sheppey and Mid Kent colleges and the Community union will advise about training and job opportunities.

Advisers from Job Centre Plus will be on hand to talk about benefits.

The principal of Canterbury College's Sheppey campus, Philip Wicker, has also pledged support.

He said: "We will do what we can to help those who have lost their jobs by making our facilities available to them.

"We are experienced at helping those who are out of work to find employment."

Thamesteel is one of the biggest private firms on the Isle of Sheppey.

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.