Workers' anger over Thamesteel jobs risk
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by Emma Grove and Lewis Dyson
Workers leaving Thamesteel after today's meeting with
administrators spoke of their anger.
Many have been employed at the metalworks for much of their
careers - and several have previously been made redundant.
They were told the administrators are looking for a buyer, but
none of the employees were very optimistic.
Michael Gates, 45, from Sheerness, has worked at Thamesteel for
five years.
"It's gutting," he said. "We have been strung along right to the
last day. We were told to spend as normal at Christmas because they
said the company was not in trouble.
"We are all without a month's wage 
but have mortgages and bills to pay. It's
devastating."
Jamie Pearson, from Queenborough, has worked at Thamesteel for
two years, after being laid off from Regis Furniture in Sheerness
in June 2008.
The 36-year-old said: "We feel robbed. We have been lied to
since day one.
"It's a disaster. I have got empty cupboards - there is no
money.
"Where are we going to find work? There's not enough jobs on the
Island as it is and now there's another 400 people out of
work."
Jason Price, from Sheerness, has worked at Thamesteel for two
years after losing his job when HBC Engineering in Halfway closed
down in February 2010.
The 42-year-old, whose wife is also out of work, said: "I have
only been there a couple of years so I'm not expecting to stay
there - I pretty much know this is it.
"I will be going to join the three million looking for work.
"I have got a mortgage to pay so I will look for anything to be
honest to keep going. People are angry, but not surprised."
Kevin McCord, from Minster, would have
been at the mill for 40 years in May - since it opened.
The 63-year-old said: "It is a shock. I'm coming up for
retirement soon anyway, but that doesn't really help at the
moment.
"I wouldn't think I will be one of the ones that stays because
of my age.
"I feel really sorry for all of my colleagues - I'm in a
better position than most people, but for a lot of them January is
a big month.
"Then to suddenly find out you have got no wages - you're
sort of finished."
Gary Cross, 43, from Sheerness, has worked at Thamesteel for 23
years and now his soon does too. This is the first time Gary has
not been able to pay his mortgage.
He said: "It's the speed of it - it was only on Saturday
that we first heard that it could be happening and by today it's
all over with.
"It's all I know - it's the only job I have ever had since
leaving college. I really, really have no idea what I'm going to
do.
"Eight years ago when all this happened there was more
employment around and I found it hard then.
"When I got the call to go back it was a relief but the
situation is a lot worse now and the cost of living is worse."
His son Dean, 22, said: "I have been here a year and a
half - it runs in the family. It's the way it's
happened - it's disgusting."
Adam Kenyon, 23, from Minster and pictured below right, has been
at the mill for five years after completing his four-year
apprenticeship.
"It wasn't that much of a shock - we have known for quite a
while the company is not doing very well," he said. "Everyone knew
it was coming but the main shock was not getting paid.
"I applied for some jobs last night but everyone has been doing
the same thing.
"I'm lucky - I live with my parents so it's not as bad as
for the people with kids."
Jason Sullivan, 37, has worked at Thamesteel for 12 years.
He said: "I know times have been hard and the company was in
trouble but the way they have conducted themselves has been
absolutely disgusting.
"My first thought obviously was my partner and my family. I felt
sick to the pit of my stomach.
"I have worked here for 12 years and yesterday was a kick in the
teeth - these guys are like my extended family."
Raymond Holl, 57, of High Street, Blue Town, said: "Most of the
people here have families and children who depend on them. I'm not
so bad but I feel sorry for those people who have mortgages and
young children.
"It just came out of the blue. There was no warning or
anything."
Benjamin Smith, of Blatcher Close, Minster, said: "You feel
demoralised. Hopefully somebody buys the place and there might be a
future.
"This is the third time I have been laid off on the Island in
five years."
Thursday, January 26 2012
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