LABOUR leader Jeremy Corbyn has pledged his support for strike action at Cammell Laird.

Members of Unite and GMB are walking out for the next three weeks at the Birkenhead shipyard over plans to cut around 300 jobs which unions say is 'unnecessary' as the company won contracts to maintain Royal Navy ships.

A series of 24-hour strikes will be held involving different groups of workers until mid-December.

Albie McGuigan, GMB regional organiser said: “This wave of redundancies is completely unbearable. It would lead to untold hardship on workers and their families.

“For workers to make a decision to take strike action especially at this time of year demonstrates how angry and frustrated they are at the lack of support from Cammell Laird.

“Our members believed their future was secure after recent announcements of contract awards and agreeing a long term pay agreement.

“They feel badly let down and they are determined that the threat of redundancy hanging over their heads should be removed immediately."

In October the company revealed it would be slashing 291 jobs by March 2019.

Unite regional officer Ross Quinn said: "Cammell Laird bosses should be in no doubt of the determination of the workforce to defend their jobs and take a stand against these unnecessary job cuts that could see people out of a job before Christmas."

Now, Mr Corbyn has pledged his support by tweeting on social media: "Solidarity with @unitetheunion and @GMB_union members at Cammell Laird shipyard.

"They're starting three weeks of industrial action to save their jobs as bosses undermine skilled workers and job security.

"Labour stands with you. #TurningTheTideOnCasualisation."