REDCAR MP Mo Mowlam has branded steel firm Corus's treatment of its workers as 'inhuman.'

Speaking to a conference of regional newspaper editors in London on Tuesday, she said: "Corus behaved appallingly and there is no nicer way to put it than that."

Bosses had shown a simple lack of 'common courtesy' by refusing to discuss their decision with ministers or unions, she said.

"It is appalling just to announce in the paper they are losing their jobs. I think it is inhuman."

Her comments were followed by the release of Corus accounts on Wednesday which revealed that company bosses John Bryant and Fokko van Duyne received golden handshakes totalling £2m.

A Corus spokesman said the 'termination payments' were for the remainder of the men's two-year contracts after they were asked to leave.