Steel unions GMB, Unite and Community have issued a statement in response to the Winding up petitions have been issued against four companies owned by metals tycoon Sanjeev Gupta.
Reports suggest Speciality Steel UK Limited, a division of Liberty Steel, which employs about 2,000 people in England, Liberty Pipes, Liberty Performance Steels and Liberty Merchant Bar have petitions against them.
The statement reads:
“This action by HMRC threatens thousands of jobs and is a devastating blow to our members and their families.
“Liberty Steel is a strategically important business, crucial to delivering net zero, and under no circumstances can our plants be allowed to close.
“The trade unions call on GFG and HMRC to get back round the table and hammer out a deal that provides space for the company to refinance.
“The best route to protect jobs and repay HMRC and other creditors would be to enable the business to continue to trade.
“Our experts have advised us that with the right framework of support Liberty Steel can have a sustainable future.
“The Government has an important role to play in providing that framework and must take urgent action to address our unaffordable energy prices.
“GFG is the owner and we hold them accountable for their actions, but as we have always said Ministers must be ready to step in should that be required.”
