A task force has been hammering out ideas to help workers made redundant from the troubled Thamesteel plant in Sheerness.

Kent County Council representatives, government figures and union members make up the group, which was set up after the firm announced it had gone into administration.

The task force met for the first time to discuss what support can be provided to help workers - who have still not been paid their January wages - and work with administrators to secure the future of the steelworks.

Of the 400 people employed at Thamesteel, 350 have been told they have lost their jobs.

Community Trade Union spokesman Ryan Slaughter, part of the task force, said: "These guys haven't be paid - they've got mortgages too pay, families to look after, child care costs.

"That's what our meeting is about - how can all these agencies work together to assist those workers?"

Mr Slaughter who said he's had to work through a number of administrations in London and the South East said: "The key point is that we're doing something. I see these instances all around the country so if we can do something to help these workers then that's a good thing."

Cllr Kevin Lynes, Kent County Council cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, chaired the first meeting.

He said: "People just need assistance, advice, support and in some cases re-skilling and retraining, but they need to know that we're working on their behalf to secure a future for them."

Last year, a task force was set up to safeguard jobs after Pfizer announced it was going to pull out of Sandwich.

Cllr Lynes added: "With Pfizer we knew what was happening - the issue in Sheerness is very different.

"But the council will now commission an economical impact assessment so we have facts to lobby government for assistance to the economy in that area."

The task force is expected to meet again in two weeks.