Unions at Scunthorpe Steelworks have been holding a protest today
Many people in the town are calling for a rethink on plans to develop the site at British Steel
Unions at Scunthorpe Steelworks are calling for urgent talks with the company, claiming they're being kept in the dark about the latest developments.
A protest has been taking place in the town today against plans to move to greener blast furnaces.
British Steel say it'll secure the plant's future but unions are concerned it could mean up to 2,000 job losses.
Martin Foster is the Unite rep at Scunthorpe steelworks:
"We know there are discussions going on between Jingye (the owner of British Steel) and the Government.
"We've no idea what the contents of those discussions are, no hints have been given s to what might be on the table.
"Best guess is it might something similar to what they've been offered at Tata steel but who knows. We need to sit down with the company.
"We've no enhanced redundancy packages here anymore. So there's very little to keep people here .
"If they drag their heels and don't consult with us and detail what they're going to do. People will vote with their feet and they'll leave. And then we'll struggle to run the plant because we won't have enough people."
A British Steel spokesman said:
“We have engaged with the unions and will continue discussions at the appropriate time.”
During a protest in Scunthorpe today a number of people showed their support for the industry.
Scunthorpe resident Darryl Southern said:
“Scunthorpe is reliant on steel. It provides many well-paid jobs. Lots of local businesses rely on the steelwork’s existence. If we were to lose jobs it would be devastating for this community.
“This area alone is crying out for investment and the creation of new jobs, with Unite's detailed workers plan for steel, the future can be very bright.”