Fuel workers to strike over dismissal 'disgrace'

About 50 fuel workers are to strike over employees losing their jobs without being the subjects of a fair dismissal procedure, a union said.

GMB Union claimed bosses at Briggs Marine in Immingham, North-East Lincolnshire, had dismissed some staff without following the proper process.

Union organiser Andy Groves said: "The UK needs its petrochemical workers now more than ever. For this company to dismiss workers without any due process is a disgrace."

Briggs Marine has been approached for comment.

The industrial action will start on 9 March at the Port of Immingham, which handles imports and exports of fuel from around the world.

Workers at the company previously went on strike in 2022 in a row about pay.

Groves said: "The company is citing financial motivations as the driving force behind its decisions, but giant Ministry of Defence contracts and an upsurge in demand point to this being about taking on these workers and their union.

"Company top brass need to participate in the resolution to these issues, get round the table and treat these workers with respect, and quickly."

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices