A NEW union to serve members of the carpet and steel industries has been launched in Worcestershire.

Community, which has been created by the merger of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation (ISTC) and The National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades (KFAT), has been launched in Kidderm-inster, the heart of the carpet industry.

The event also marked the start of a consultation period. This is to see how members, their families and other stakeholders, think the union should operate.

Ideas being put forward include looking after members who are carers and providing support to children in their education and apprenticeships.

"Community will represent our members where they live as well as where they work," said general secretary Michael Leahy.

"It will mean our officers and activists being available to represent our members wherever they need help with civic authorities, getting involved in supporting carers, and looking after members' children in their education among other things.

"We want our members to get on, not just get even."

A special pamphlet, called A Sense of Community to illustrate the ideas behind the new union is available online at www.community-tu.org

"But that does not mean we will not ignore the world of work. It will always be where we came from.