Liberty steelworkers in South Yorkshire finally see 'light at the end of the tunnel' on takeover
A preferred bidder to take over at Speciality Steel has now been identified
Last updated 16th Apr 2026
Steel workers in South Yorkshire tell us they can 'finally' see 'light at the end of the tunnel' in their industry.
It's as a preferred bidder has been selected to take over at Speciality Steel - which has sites in Stocksbridge & Rotherham.
Ian Kemp is a GMB Union representative for the business at their base in Rotherham:
"We're crying out for steel for building projects. Obviously, there's increased spending coming up on defence.
"Without steel, we don't make anything.
"Morale has hit rock bottom in the past few months with the situation we have been in, but at last people can see something at the end of it; there is potentially a long term future.
"It's not just a job; it's your entire identity.
"I'm a third-generation steel worker, so obviously my heart is in the industry.
"To see what has happened to the sector over the last few has been heart breaking, but now I can see a future.
"Steel is our identity; it's what Rotherham and Sheffield were built on.
"It's so important to South Yorkshire - not just to the people who work inside the industry, but the companies that rely on the industry.
"There is still work to be done to conclude the deal, but there's light at the end of the tunnel, and in the short-term it's a really big boost to us.
"Whoever is going to take over - have faith in your workforce.
"Look after your employees - they're the best assets you've got.
"If you look after your assets then you've got a booming business."
The government had to intervene last summer when the UK's third largest steelworks went into liquidation.