Portuguese workers, who downed tools at Dragon LNG this morning,say they have all been fired after refusing to accept an increased hourly rate of £4.90 an hour.

Workers took action this morning, complaining of low pay and poor working conditions (see linked article below).

The latest news from the site is that they have been offered a 75 pence an hour rise by employers Atlanco.

"We were given 15 minutes to answer," said a spokesman for the workers, "and told that if the answer is no then we are all fired."

"We have had to return our bus cards. We have asked for tickets back to Portugal but they have refused.

"We are going to try not to accept that pressure. £4.90 is still below the minimum wage. We will be here protesting tomorrow."

Main contractors, Whessoe Oil and Gas Ltd, have declined to comment on the dispute.