Unions in Scunthorpe want the Government to take long term action on the steel industry
It's after British Steel yesterday announced 260 job losses
Unions are calling for the Government to step in and safeguard the long term future of the steel industry after yesterday's announcement 260 jobs could go in Scunthorpe.
British Steel is looking to close the coke ovens as it tries to cope with what it describes as "challenging economic" circumstances.
The Government is understood to have held talks about a possible rescue package but it's thought nothing's been agreed so far.
We need some sort of industrial strategy
We spoke to Martin Foster from Unite the Union about the situation.
He told us: "We need a long term solution and by that I'm not just talking about cash."
"I'm talking about a procurement strategy, a manufacturing strategy, some sort of industrial strategy".
"All these key things that support not just the steel industry but other industries as well are just not there."
"There's a wider issue than just a package for British Steel."
We need a sustainable industry
"This is about the UK steel industry, we're not the only company that's in trouble here, Tata Steel are in trouble, Liberty Steel have been in trouble since I don't know when. "
"To my mind all interested parties should get round a table, Government, steel companies and unions and thrash this out."
"Come up with a solution to that will give us a sustainable long term steel industry that supports so many other industries in this country."
The Government has previously said the steel industry is important and it will do all it can to support them.
A task force has been set up to help
Meanwhile North Lincolnshire council is leading a task force to offer a package of support to those workers facing redundancies.
North Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Rob Waltham said: "We are pulling together a task force at pace to work with Government departments and local steel representatives including unions to see how we can support everybody involved.