HUNDREDS of steelworkers have lost their jobs after a “disgusting” miscount of staff numbers, it was claimed.

About 240 people are believed to have been told to leave Redcar’s steelworks on Thursday.

Labour MPs Anna Turley and Tom Blenkinsop condemned the move and are demanding answers from the Government’s Department for Business and Insolvency Service (IS).

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An IS spokesman last night denied claims of a miscount, telling The Northern Echo staff levels were originally left higher to cover health and safety regulations.

It is understood around 890 staff were initially told to stay on at the Redcar Coke Ovens, after steelmaker SSI UK collapsed, to keep the fires burning.

However, that number has now been cut to about 650.

But Ms Turley and Mr Blenkinsop claim the site’s official receiver, appointed after SSI was liquidated, made a numerical error.

Ms Turley said: “These people, who thought they may be safe, have gone.

“It’s heartbreaking, and another kick in the stomach for everyone involved.”

Mr Blenkinsop added: “This is disgusting and quite frankly inhuman.”

However, the IS has refuted the allegations.

A spokesman added: “To ensure health and safety requirements, the official receiver retained all staff that were onsite when he was appointed as liquidator.

“He has now been able to assess staffing requirements and has reduced the number of employees to the level required to keep the site operating safely while he carries out his duties.”