Save the future of steel making on Teesside.

That is the plea from Unions to SSI and the Government as thousands of jobs hang in the balance at the plant in Redcar.

Iron and steel making operations were halted last week due to ongoing issues with supply of raw materials and services.

In a statement General Secretary of Community and Chair of the National Trade Union Steel Co-ordinating Committee Roy Rickhuss said:

"The unions stand ready to assist the company in helping to build a sustainable and profitable future.

"But, SSI must clarify their intentions and make it clear what government intervention is needed."

He went on to say that David Cameron's "warm words" in support of the steel industry have made little difference to reassure steelworkers on Teesside.

Roy Rickhuss added:

"The government must take action to protect SSI's industrial assets. We fear that the integrity of some of the assets is under imminent threat - particularly the Redcar coke ovens.

"Without action to preserve the assets then we will be even further away from restarting steel making.

"Now is not the time for ministers to heed the siren calls of government officials advising caution. 

"The government must be bold in its intervention and demonstrate it has the political will to give Teesside steel a future.

"The livelihoods of thousands of families and an entire community depend on the actions taken by both SSI and the government in the coming hours and days. If the silence and inaction doesn't end soon then it may prove too late to save our steel."