Workers continue sit-in protest

Workers staging a sit-in at a wind turbine factory on the Isle of Wight have continued their protest that has now reached its thirteenth day.

A group took control of an office over plans to axe 625 jobs on July 20.

On Saturday a union complained to police over claims workers inside are having their human rights breached.

Supporters turned out in the rain to hold a rally outside the building and representatives were allowed to deliver bags of food.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) accused the firm of trying to "starve" the workers out by restricting access to food and drink.

The factory was due to close on Friday but is now set to shut on 10 August.

The RMT said it had lodged a formal complaint to police in Newport over the actions of security guards working for Vestas after it received advice from a human rights lawyer.

The lawyer, Louise Christian, said: "There is a positive obligation under the Human Rights Act on the State and its agents, i.e the police, to prevent private individuals from depriving others of their liberty.

"It therefore appears to me that the local police have a positive obligation to prevent the security agents employed by Vestas stopping people coming in to deliver food to those in occupation."

The protesters have been receiving about two meals a day from Vestas, but the union said it had not been enough.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "It's disgusting that Vestas are trying to starve the workers out.

Removal bid

"We will fight with every tool available to get food into the workers on the inside whose only crime is to fight for their livelihoods and the future of green energy."

The protesters claim 25 of them have been inside the factory but only 11 workers, who the firm has identified, have been sacked.

The Danish firm's bid to have the workers removed failed on Wednesday when a judge ruled removal papers had not been served in accordance with legal rules.

The case at Newport County Court was adjourned until Tuesday.

Vestas has blamed its decision to close the factory on a lack of demand for wind turbines in the UK market.