South Yorkshire MPs raise concerns about jobs in steelmaking
Last updated 18th Mar 2021
Several South Yorkshire MPs have raised concerns about the potential collapse of a steelmaker - which employs hundreds of people in the region.
Liberty Steel runs several sites in Rotherham and is also the parent company for Stocksbridge Speciality Steels, which has a worksforce of 762.
One of the company's primary lenders, Greensill Capital, has filed for administration in a move that potentially puts the firm at risk.
Penistone and Stocksbridge Conservative MP Miriam Cates says she's working closely with unions, management and ministers to do "whatever is possible" to safeguard local jobs.
“Over recent weeks it has become clear that the parent company, Liberty Group, are facing funding challenges"
"I’ve been in frequent contact with the Speciality Steels management team, as well as having calls with ministers and officials in Government on a daily basis" she said.
“Last week I had a meeting with Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for Business, who assured me that the Government is closely engaged in the situation, and I will be meeting him again tomorrow.”
She added “the jobs are highly valuable to our community. This morning I spoke to the local Community Union representative to hear employees’ concerns, and I continue to offer them my full support".
Separately, Rotherham's Labour MP Sarah Champion says she's also in talks with ministers about the future of the company and local jobs.
She stated: “The issues at Liberty are deeply troubling and I know that workers at the plants will be concerned for their jobs.
"I welcome talks between trade unions and Liberty and that these were positive and constructive."
"However, it’s very concerning that GFG has acknowledged that, while the alliance as a whole remains operationally strong, there are exceptions including in its UK operations."
She added: "I urge Liberty to do all it can to quickly secure new capital and to provide reassurance to its Rotherham employees."
"The loss of jobs at Liberty would be a severe blow for our local economy, at the worst possible time"