UNIONS representing workers at Thames Water are calling for the company to be brought into public ownership.

The TUC, GMB, Unison and Unite joined forces to call for Thames Water to be brought into full public ownership given the “rapidly diminishing” outlook for the company.

The unions said that the move would give workers the certainty about their future that they deserve.

A joint statement said: “The chaos at Thames Water has dragged on for too long.

“The collapse of the most recent private equity investment deal is just the latest chapter in a long-running failure.

“Sticking-plaster solutions are not the answer.

“It’s time for the government to step in and bring Thames Water into full public ownership.

“Returning Thames Water to public ownership is the best way to protect staff, serve customers and safeguard our environment.”

The call comes as Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the government remains ready for all eventualities, indicating that public ownership could be on the table.