GMB Union says the British Steel/Jingye deal set to be signed off today is a big win for the industry – but job losses are heartbreaking.
Charlotte Childs, GMB Organiser, said:
“On the one hand this deal must be celebrated; it keeps the steel industry alive in the UK, it safeguards more than 3000 jobs and offers a bright future - providing Jingye stick to their plan.
Ministers must be prepared to make use of all the options – including nationalisation – in order to save British Steel and the wider steel industry. pic.twitter.com/gmkmKVoN6s
— GMB Union (@GMB_union) May 22, 2019
“On the other it is heartbreaking that long-serving members of high-skilled staff, many of whom have given their entire career to British steel, are seen as surplus to requirements.
“This deal is worth pursuing to safeguard UK steel for future generations.
“But, for the UK’s steel industry to have a long term future, we still need more Government assistance on energy costs to compete with European competitors, as well as domestic procurement orders.”
