TRADE unions have been cut out of meetings to address the steel crisis by Tory ministers, writes Luke James. 

The government established three working groups comprising employers and experts following the steel summit earlier this month.

But shadow business secretary Angela Eagle revealed yesterday that not a single workers’ rep had been invited to take part. 

Community, GMB and Unite represent thousands of steelworkers facing redundancy and have actively sought a solution to the issues facing the industry.

Members of all three unions travelled to London yesterday to meet MPs and watch a debate over the industry's future.

Ms Eagle branded the Government's snub a “disgrace” and told ministers to meet workers and find out about the “real cost of government inaction.”

A Department for Business spokeswoman insisted ministers are "engaging regularly" with the unions.

She said: "Anna Soubry recently met union leaders both in Parliament and in Redcar. The unions were also invited to our recent steel summit and to join the Redcar and Scunthorpe taskforces.

“The working groups met quickly after their creation to progress actions in specific areas, in recognition of the need for urgency for the steel industry. They will continue to meet and will call on union, as well as other, expertise where needed.”

Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke also revealed that the union is now seeking a meeting with EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem.

The liberal Swede met Tory Business Secretary Sajid Javid yesterday.

And Mr Burke said: "If he can have a meeting with the trade minister, why can't we?

“We don’t mind going over and telling her exactly what’s going on and what we want."