UNIONS called on David Cameron to “get a grip” on the steel crisis yesterday and start by meeting workers during emergency talks in London.

Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke said that representatives from all the steel unions across Tata Steel were meeting “with a determination to fight for their industry, their communities and to save our steel.”

He warned there were 40,000 workers in the steel industry and supply chain who are “staring down the barrel of a gun” adding that British manufacturing “depends on having a vibrant steel industry” and would lead to significant job losses if the plants closed.

He accused the government of failing to show leadership or urgency on the matter and urged David Cameron to “take control” and recall Parliament.

Mr Burke also called on the Prime Minister to “stop blocking the tariffs that the EU are prepared to put on Chinese steel in order that we get a level playing field.”

Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss said the meeting was “a key moment” in the campaign to save the steel industry, adding that unions must “hold Tata to a commitment to be a responsible seller and honour its moral and social duties to UK steel communities.”

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady told the delegates that securing a future for Tata’s UK plants was a “crucial first step,” adding that “other EU governments have acted to support their steel industries, ours must do the same.”

Business Secretary Sajid Javid, who is currently facing mounting calls to resign over his poor handling of the crisis, said the Westminster government would “offer support to clinch a buyer” but said that nationalisation was not a solution.