Derek Simpson, of the Unite Trade Union was speaking on the “Today” programme on Radio 4

Mr Simpson said that the current strike at the Lindsey Oil Refinery was a result of a practice seen at other factories, whereby foreign contractors “exclude UK workers from consideration”, and questioned how they could afford to pay workers from abroad at fair rates, on top of transport and accommodation costs.

“What’s happening at the Lindsey Refinery is the same situation that is occurring in two or three or more sites across Britain. The real question isn’t foreign workers – it is that these companies say they will not consider UK workers under any circumstances.

“You can understand the moral indignation as well as the industrial concern.

“It’s certainly not because they don’t have the skills. We’re questioning why they can bring additional workers from overseas with additional costs of transport and accommodation.

“It’s hard to believe that is possible unless they’re paying lower rates.

“It’s not just this refinery, it’s a growing feature which has to be addressed.

“I want government to use whatever means it can to stop what I believe is an illegal practice – to exclude UK workers from consideration.”

Mr Simpson spoke later on BBC News and said that it was outrageous that some contractors were not considering employing British workers, and warned that it was potentially illegal.

“There is circumstantial evidence that some of the contractors are letting it be known that they have no intention of employing UK labour, even if a vacancy arises. This is absolutely outrageous, and potentially illegal.

“We will have a national lobby of parliament to rise the very concerns I’ve been outlining.

“I can’t understand. These contractors are saying they’re paying the proper costs. How they do this? You begin to become concerned that we’re not getting the full picture. I don’t think this would happen in other European countries. A bar on UK workers is absolutely unacceptable.”

Mr Simpson added later that ideally problems would be solved without industrial action, but if there is no other option it must be taken.

“You can understand the anger of construction workers with the skill, live in the area, literally be excluded from employment.

“We would like to solve the problems without wanting to resort to industrial action. I understand the concern, but if there is no answer, one must take the view that is being taken now.”

I have personally worked in the chemical industry and have witnessed f irst handthe hard work and skill of our local tradesmen.  It is very difficult to see how it can be cheaper for companies to pay the travel and accomodation costs of foreign workers to do these jobs, when we have many people living within a few miles of these sites who are perfectly well able to do them, and who will themselves support the region by spending their wages locally. 

In the current economic climate the region should pull together to ensure that we support our economy as much as we possibly can.