Unite workers are being balloted about possible strike action over the closure of the Dagenham plant Credit: Ian West/PA Wire
Ford said: "We are disappointed that the company's voluntary redundancy and redeployment proposals for employees affected by the closure of Dagenham stamping and tooling operations have been rejected and that the union has said that it plans to ballot its membership on possible industrial action.
"We continue, however, to engage in discussions with our workforce at Dagenham stamping and tool operations, and we are continuing to work with a variety of stakeholders to provide information and support to our employees."
Unite says more than 650 of its members will vote on whether to strike Credit: Ian West/PA Wire
Hundreds of workers at car giant Ford are to be balloted for strikes following a decision to close their plant.
Unite said more than 650 of its members at the stamping and tooling site in Dagenham will vote in coming weeks on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action.
Ford workers on the picket line in Dagenham in a previous strike over pay and pensions in June 2012 Credit: Ian West/PA Wire
The dispute stems from a decision last year to end production at Ford's plant in Southampton and to close Dagenham. Unite said more than 100 toolmakers have not been found suitable jobs, and workers being redeployed are being given little information about the work they'll be doing.
National officer Roger Maddison said:
"Ford betrayed its workers when it announced the closure of its plants and now the company is rubbing salt into the loyal workers' wounds by treating them with contempt.
"The workers at Dagenham are furious and they are right to want to stand up to the company's despicable behaviour. Skilled workers with over 20 years of experience are being forced to change career but are being given no information about what they'll be doing.
A view of the Dagenham plant from the River Thames Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA.
"Many of them will have their pensions severely slashed and some workers might fail capability tests and be sacked after all. To make matters worse, over 100 workers have not even been found suitable work despite the company's promise to do so.
"Skilled workers with years of experience are being thrown on the scrapheap. Workers who feel they have to accept a severance package are being offered up to £30,000 less than their colleagues in Southampton.
"Whether the workforce chooses to stay or go, it is being treated like a second class citizen.
"To make matters worse Ford is bullying workers with threats to withdraw the package on offer if workers take action. A vote for strike action will send a clear message to Ford that its betrayal can't and won't stand."
Police are appealing for information to trace a man they wish to speak with following an assault in Romford.
Detectives from Havering CID are keen to speak with 25-year-old Jamie Corrigan. He is known to frequent the Barking and Dagenham and Newham areas.
Jamie Corrigan. Credit: Met Police handout
At approximately 2am this morning, police were called to Rush Green Road following reports of a man suffering stab injuries.
London Ambulance Service attended and the man was taken to a north London hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
The suspect fled in the vehicle in the direction of Dagenham. Anyone who witnessed the assault or has information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 01708 779155.
Alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Naomi Oni, before and after, the acid attack in December. Credit: Metropolitan Police
Two people have been arrested after a 21 year-old woman had acid thrown in her face leaving her with severe burns. Naomi Oni was attacked in Dagenham in December.
Another 21 year-old woman was arrested on Friday and a 28 year-old man was arrested yesterday. Both have now been released on bail. Anyone with information can call Barking and Dagenham police on 020 3276 1056 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Jessie Moore has had five telegrams from the Queen Credit: ITV News
One of London's oldest residents is celebrating her 105th birthday.
Jessie Moore, who's from Dagenham, insisted on throwing a party to mark the occasion so more than 70 members of her family joined her at her local pub.
Despite her advancing years, Jessie is still independent, living alone in the house she shared with her husband for more than 60 years. Her secret to a long life? Looking after other people apparently.
A woman from Dagenham is celebrating her 105th birthday today.
Jessie Moore is one of the oldest people in London.
In her lifetime she has seen 24 different prime ministers and 4 monarchs. She still lives at home on her own, the same home she's been in for over 70 years.
