Representatives from several trade unions observed a two minute silence at the steps of East Ham Town Hall yesterday to mark Workers Memorial Day.

Construction contractors working at the Town Hall also downed tools for the silence during which the Newham Council flag was flown at half mast.

Among those who commemorated the day were John Gregory, Unite branch secretary, Cindy Gosling Unite branch chairman, Sharon Waldron from the GMB, Peter Smith from Newham NUT, and Iain Hale, chair designate of the Newham NUT.

John Gregory said: β€œIt is to commemorate all the people that went to work and never came home through accidents at work.”

He urged people across the borough to think about their safety while working.