Intervene before it’s too late

Unite called for government action to help Britain’s steel industry as Tata Steel announced it would be mothballing its Llanwern steel mill with the loss of 250 jobs.

Today’s (August 26) job losses follow last month’s announcement by Tata Steel to cut over 680 jobs in Rotherham and Stocksbridge.

Warning that high energy costs and cheap imports were threatening the future of the industry in the UK, Unite urged the government to intervene and support skilled jobs and manufacturing.

Commenting, Unite acting national officer Harish Patel said, “This is yet more devastating news for the steel industry and the communities that rely on steel for employment.”

He continued, “The government’s current ‘leave it to the market’ attitude will result in the destruction of the steel industry and destroy skilled jobs in the UK. Ministers have to take action and intervene to support the industry before it’s too late.

“Tata Steel also needs to honour its commitments as a responsible employer and work with the unions in limiting the damage that these job losses will have.”

Photo copyright Robin Drayton