Dark day for steel

Today (Tuesday October 20) Tata steel confirmed its plan to cut 1,200 jobs in Scunthorpe and Scotland.

Unite warned that this ‘dark day’ would damage steel companies and hit supply chains hard.

“This is a dark day for the UK steel industry, for the workers and the communities whose livelihoods depend on steel,” said Tony Burke, Unite assistant general secretary.

“We will be working closely with Tata to find alternatives and to save as many jobs as possible,” he added.

Unite accused the UK government of failing the heed the warning signs and washing its hands of the steel industry.

“Today’s announcement sees steel production effectively come to an end in Scotland,” said Tony.

With the loss of approximately 300 jobs through the closure of the Dalzell plate mill and closure of the Tata Steel facility in Clydebridge.

Nearly 900 jobs will be lost at Scunthorpe with the closure of the plate mill and Dawes Lane coke ovens.

“The knock on effects of today’s news combined with Caparo and the closure of Redcar through the supply chain will be devastating,” said Tony.

“Trade unions, the industry and business groups are all united on the need for the UK government to support the steel industry,” he added.

Unite is calling on the government to support a key component of the UK economy by taking action to stop the ‘dumping’ of cheap Chinese steel and help with high energy costs and business rates to ensure that major infrastructure projects use British steel.

“The impact on the Scottish economy which is also being hammered by job losses in North Sea oil will be severe unless there is urgent support,” said Pat Rafferty, Unite Scottish secretary.

“We will be pressing the Scottish government to live up to its promise to do everything it can to support the steel Industry in Scotland and save jobs,” he added.

Unite warned that Sajid Javid is becoming increasingly isolated by his failure to support the steel industry.

“The UK government should take note of the Scottish government’s more proactive response and act to save out steel across the UK,” said Rafferty.