Alstom Power has been criticised for its decision to employ overseas workers rather than local people.

Trade union Unite has reported that 150 overseas workers are to be deployed at a power station at Staythorpe in Nottinghamshire, where the main contractor is Alstom Power.

Unite has raised concerns given the downturn in the construction industry.

Steve Syson, Unite regional officer, said: In today’s difficult economic environment, our local construction members will be at a loss as to why the employer is taking this stance.

He added: If there was a shortage in local labour then the decisions being undertaken could be understandable, but this is clearly not the case and the company has failed to even consider this fact.

Alstom Power was unavailable to comment.