Tata Steel workers back pension reforms after 'hellish' year

Members of the unions Unite, Community and GMB each voted around three to one in favour of the company's proposals on pensions, jobs, investment and production.

Tom Brady, national officer for Unite, called on Tata Steel to honour its commitments following the ballot on Wednesday, and for the Government to 'step up' and support the steel industry.

"This is not a decision our members have taken lightly. It has been a hellish time for them, their families and their communities as uncertainty has swirled around the steel industry over this past year or more," he said.

"During that time steelworkers have made great sacrifices to ensure the UK's world class steel industry has a future. Those sacrifices must be repaid by Tata Steel honouring its commitments on investment and job security.

"Anything less would be a betrayal and add to the deep mistrust that steelworkers now have for the company."

Tata Steel last week confirmed the long-awaited deal to sell its speciality business, which employs 1,700 staff at its Stocksbridge and Rotherham plants, to Liberty House Group for £100 million.

BREAKING: Man arrested for attempted murder after shooting in SheffieldMan due in court over armed robbery in SheffieldArrests made in crime crackdown in South YorkshireSouth Yorkshire man one of first in country to be sentenced over legal highsSheffield man killed in crash named by policeCourt round-up: Latest convictions at Sheffield, Doncaster Barnsley and Chesterfield magistrates’ courtsLot of love for Vincent Sasso after vital brace - Sheffield Wednesday 2 Blackburn Rovers 1Bristol Rovers 0 Sheffield United 0: Five changes but same old fighting spirit as Blades assistant Knill admits draw was a fair resultWant to live at Bramall Lane? Sheffield United unveil residential plans for Kop/South Stand cornerVIDEO: Carlos Carvalhal explains why he benched Fernando Forestieri in Sheffield Wednesday’s win over Blackburn Rovers