by Emma Grove and Lewis Dyson

Workers leaving Thamesteel after today's meeting with administrators spoke of their anger.

Many have been employed at the metalworks for much of their careers - and several have previously been made redundant.

They were told the administrators are looking for a buyer, but none of the employees were very optimistic.

Michael Gates, 45, from Sheerness, has worked at Thamesteel for five years.

"It's gutting," he said. "We have been strung along right to the last day. We were told to spend as normal at Christmas because they said the company was not in trouble.

"We are all without a month's wage but have mortgages and bills to pay. It's devastating."

Jamie Pearson, from Queenborough, has worked at Thamesteel for two years, after being laid off from Regis Furniture in Sheerness in June 2008.

The 36-year-old said: "We feel robbed. We have been lied to since day one.

"It's a disaster. I have got empty cupboards - there is no money.

"Where are we going to find work? There's not enough jobs on the Island as it is and now there's another 400 people out of work."

Jason Price, from Sheerness, has worked at Thamesteel for two years after losing his job when HBC Engineering in Halfway closed down in February 2010.

The 42-year-old, whose wife is also out of work, said: "I have only been there a couple of years so I'm not expecting to stay there - I pretty much know this is it.

"I will be going to join the three million looking for work.

"I have got a mortgage to pay so I will look for anything to be honest to keep going. People are angry, but not surprised."

Kevin McCord, from Minster, would have been at the mill for 40 years in May - since it opened.

The 63-year-old said: "It is a shock. I'm coming up for retirement soon anyway, but that doesn't really help at the moment.

"I wouldn't think I will be one of the ones that stays because of my age.

"I feel really sorry for all of my colleagues - I'm in a better position than most people, but for a lot of them January is a big month.

"Then to suddenly find out you have got no wages - you're sort of finished."

Gary Cross, 43, from Sheerness, has worked at Thamesteel for 23 years and now his soon does too. This is the first time Gary has not been able to pay his mortgage.

He said: "It's the speed of it - it was only on Saturday that we first heard that it could be happening and by today it's all over with.

"It's all I know - it's the only job I have ever had since leaving college. I really, really have no idea what I'm going to do.

"Eight years ago when all this happened there was more employment around and I found it hard then.

"When I got the call to go back it was a relief but the situation is a lot worse now and the cost of living is worse."

His son Dean, 22, said: "I have been here a year and a half - it runs in the family. It's the way it's happened - it's disgusting."

Adam Kenyon, 23, from Minster and pictured below right, has been at the mill for five years after completing his four-year apprenticeship.

"It wasn't that much of a shock - we have known for quite a while the company is not doing very well," he said. "Everyone knew it was coming but the main shock was not getting paid.

"I applied for some jobs last night but everyone has been doing the same thing.

"I'm lucky - I live with my parents so it's not as bad as for the people with kids."

Jason Sullivan, 37, has worked at Thamesteel for 12 years.

He said: "I know times have been hard and the company was in trouble but the way they have conducted themselves has been absolutely disgusting.

"My first thought obviously was my partner and my family. I felt sick to the pit of my stomach.

"I have worked here for 12 years and yesterday was a kick in the teeth - these guys are like my extended family."

Raymond Holl, 57, of High Street, Blue Town, said: "Most of the people here have families and children who depend on them. I'm not so bad but I feel sorry for those people who have mortgages and young children.

"It just came out of the blue. There was no warning or anything."

Benjamin Smith, of Blatcher Close, Minster, said: "You feel demoralised. Hopefully somebody buys the place and there might be a future.

"This is the third time I have been laid off on the Island in five years."