Unions fear British Steel will announce closure of Scunthorpe coking ovens
It would mean the loss of hundreds of jobs
Last updated 22nd Feb 2023
Unions are concerned that British Steel, who's headquarters are in Scunthorpe are about to announce the closure of ovens at the plant. It would mean the loss of hundreds of jobs.
Unions were told earlier this month that the Chinese-owned company was considering closing coke ovens at its site in the town.
An announcement could be made on Wednesday, unions believe.
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB national officer, said it would be "devastating news" for the people of Scunthorpe and all British Steel workers across the UK.
She said: "With grim predictability, the Government's investment is a sticking plaster that does nothing to help the long-term structural issues affecting our steel industry.
"Now steel workers, their families and communities will once again be asked to pay the price.
"GMB urges British Steel and the UK Government to continue talks.
"Ministers need to decide if they want the UK to have a future in steel or weather they want it to wither and die like so much of our proud manufacturing heritage."
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "British Steel workers are faced with the toxic combination of a greedy employer that is reneging on investment promises and a shambolic UK Government that has no serious plan for the industry.
"Unite's members in British Steel are clear that they will fight this and they will have the full support of their union."
It's as ministers have been considering a multimillion-pound rescue package for the struggling business.
Ministers had reportedly demanded that the companies had to protect jobs if they wanted the Government handout.
The funding is reportedly also set to be linked to decarbonisation efforts from the steel giants. Although it's not known if a decision either way has been made.
Once a giant of British manufacturing, the business has struggled over the past decade.
China's Jingye Group became the manufacturer's third owner in four years when it bought British Steel out of insolvency in 2020.