South Yorkshire steel workers to march on London
South Yorkshire steelworkers are urging the government not to forget about them as they march in London today
South Yorkshire steelworkers are urging the government not to forget about them as the crisis in the industry continues.
They're joining hundreds of others from across the country in a march in London later to put pressure on ministers to secure the long-term future of British steel.
It comes on the day buyers are being shortlisted for TATA's UK operation - including the plants at Rotherham and Stocksbridge.
Darren Webster works for the company at both South Yorkshire plants and is joining the protest later - he told us steelworkers still need government support:
"It's to prove that we're still there - we haven't been sold yet. TATA haven't found a buyer. We still need that backing from the government to make sure that whoever does come in and eventually take over is going to make sure it's not a short-term fix like it was in Redcar. That it's a valid steelworks fo the future"
Jobs have been at risk in risk at TATA plants across the country after the company confirmed it was selling its entire UK operation earlier in the year.
Darren says it's a troubling time for everyone in the industry:
"It's the frustration of never actually seeing an endgame - it seems to be just one crisis after another crisis, after another one. You just look around and you just think - what is going to be the next crisis? What is the next set of job cuts? We just seem to be looking over our shoulders rather than looking forward."
"It'd be nice for a change to have that taken away a little bit - and the government to actually put its money where its mouth is and actually get on with it and show it's there to take us forward."
"A lot of people don't look at the bigger picture - they think 'oh, it's just a few thousand steelworkers'. Yes but it's all the people supporting behind them. And then all of a sudden as soon as they realise how big a picture it is, it's gone. And that's a worry - when people aren't looking at that bigger picture that's out there."
The deadline for bids to be in for TATA's operation was on Monday.
It's thought seven offers have been received, however there's speculation that two bidders could drop out
A government spokesman told Hallam they're doing all they can:
"“The Government is doing everything it can to help the industry secure a long-term viable future and is supporting Tata to find a buyer for its entire UK operations. The steel industry is vital to the UK."
“The steel industry is currently dealing with unparalleled global economic conditions which have seen the price of some steel almost halve in 2014. That is why we have worked closely with the industry to compensate for energy costs; secure flexibility over EU emissions regulations; ensure British steel producers are not disadvantaged when Government procures steel; and we continue to tackle unfair trading practices at an EU and an International level.”