GMB, the union for steelworkers, has commented on reports a rescue deal for Tata Steel is set to be agreed with the Government within days, helping preserve about 8,000 jobs.
Ross Murdoch, GMB National Officer, said:
“GMB welcomes any Government bespoke funding arrangement commitment that safeguards strategically important UK steel companies through this crisis and with a long-term view to drive the industry forward.
“GMB has been in regular dialogue with BEIS regarding the steel industry throughout the outbreak.
“These talks have now moved from discussions around the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) to the next phase of stimulating demand and kick-starting the economy and how steel - as a foundation industry - needs to be at the forefront of this drive to recovery.
“GMB backs the UK Steel Charter and Covid-19 Restart and Recovery demands, which call on the Government to support construction, accelerate infrastructure investments and to support UK Steel employers in terms of electricity prices and business rates to make them more attractive for future low-carbon steel production.”
“Ministers have intervened in a way not seen during modern times to help keep the economy moving throughout this crisis.
“As we move towards stimulating demand for the next phase, particularly with a looming Brexit crisis, GMB calls on the Government to maintain the same approach to drive the UK economy forward.”
