Owners of British Steel in China to be visited by a small delegation from North Lincolnshire Council
It's as part of efforts to protect the future of steelmaking in Scunthorpe
A small delegation from North Lincolnshire Council are to meet British Steels' owners in China.
It's as part of efforts to protect the future of steelmaking in Scunthorpe.
Owners of the plant Jingye previously announced a ÂŁ1.25 billion pound development plan to create 'green steel' making facilities and replace the current blast furnaces.
Unions are concerned this means a number of jobs will be lost.
North Lincolnshire Council has also pledged to develop 300 acres at the site to create new, green engineering and energy jobs, creating more opportunities for residents to access sustainable, high-paid jobs.
Cllr Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“We have been working with British Steel and the previous Government across a number of years to protect steelmaking and livelihoods here in North Lincolnshire.
“We continue to work the new Government too and we are asking them to back our plan for the site and protect steelmaking and jobs locally.
“Whatever the plans are going forward, we have to protect the sovereign capability for blast furnace steel and create a new future for steelmaking at the same time, using taxpayers’ money to lose jobs is not acceptable.
“We are determined to protect and enhance this vital industry, which is the backbone of our local economy and essential to our national security.”
A small team of three people are to travel in September to the Shijiazhuang province and will hold meetings with senior officers, civic leaders and directors of the company.