TRADE unionists in Sheffield threw their weight yesterday behind a protest against the sacking of a leading activist through compulsory redundancy.

Phil Turner, a well-known NUJ member at local and national level, worked at the Rotherham Advertiser, where he has been the union’s office representative for almost 30 years.

But Advertiser management is attacking jobs and Sheffield Trades Union Council believes Mr Turner has been selected for compulsory redundancy because of his union activities.

Sheffield TUC secretary Martin Mayer said: “In anti-union Tory Britain can it really be fair game to single out the senior trade union rep for sacking at the first opportunity? We call on Rotherham Advertiser’s management to take note of the protests and reverse this appalling decision without delay.”