KEN LOACH told a cameraman yesterday that it was “absolutely disgraceful” that he was not a member of a trade union.

The Jimmy’s Hall director, who is an active member of entertainment union Bectu, asked assembled journalists to raise their hands if they were not members of a union.

When cameraman Mark Patterson called out to say he wasn’t, Mr Loach blasted back: “Absolutely disgraceful.”

There were laughs around the room but the award-winning filmmaker added: “It’s not a joke.

“I tell you why. If you were in a trade union and the union was stronger because you were in it, you wouldn’t be a one-man crew.”

Calling on Mr Patterson to “be honest,” Mr Loach asked whether he thought his work would be better with a full crew.

The man insisted he does good work before admitting it would be “absolutely” improved if he had help.

Mr Loach added: “Good and you won’t get that without being in a trade union.”