Up to 200 South Hook LNG workers at the South Hook terminal site have been sacked after they raised health and safety fears over the removal of asbestos from the site.

The workers staged a peaceful picket outside the Milford Haven LNG site yesterday morning (Tuesday).

But union shop steward Douglas Corbett said: "The majority of workers have been sacked.

Our contracts have not been renewed. GMB and Amicas Unions have also washed their hands of us as they say we have broken procedure. We are on our own."

One LNG worker who did not want to be named said: "Monday morning we were prepared to go back to work after hearing that the Health and Safety Executive was happy with the way the asbestos was being removed. However, Chicago Bridge and Iron rejected our offer.

"Every employee under British law is entitled to remove themselves from work if they feel their safety is being compromised. This is the worst management I have encountered in over 35 years of working in this industry."

A South Hook LNG spokesman said: "It has been asked whether any South Hook LNG contractors have actually had their employment terminated.

"As outlined earlier, letters were sent on May 18th to the relevant contractors that a failure to turn up to work normally could be deemed as grounds for termination. Follow-up letters are being set to impacted individuals.

"It would therefore be premature at this stage to comment on the content of those letters.

"Regarding the asbestos issue all the operations are being carried out in accordance with all the legal and regulatory requirements using well-established and safe procedures."