Unions again urging the Government to step in and help protect steelmaking in Scunthorpe
It's hoped the move could save thousands of jobs
Last updated 4th Feb 2025
Unions have met with bosses from British Steel in the hopes that the two blast furnaces at Scunthorpe will be kept open as owner Jinge moves to low carbon steelmaking.
GMB, Community and Unite Unions met with bosses of the firm this week and say they are hopeful this could save thousands of jobs.
British Steel are believed to be interested in the plan but say the Government must move on carbon costs.
The GMB Union says:
"The company acknowledged the alternative plan, prepared by the independent steel consultants Syndex on the Unions behalf, is a serious and credible piece of work and accepted a number of the recommendations and findings.
"However the future of the blast furnaces remains the most important issue to resolve."
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB National Officer, said:
“The multi-union plan means Scunthorpe having both blast furnaces open as the site transitions to low carbon steelmaking.
“We believe that keeping the blast furnaces running is vital as it will reduce the risks of the transition and protect thousands of jobs.
"Jingye warmed to the proposal and agreed there were strong arguments for maintaining the blast furnaces.
“But the major barrier is the additional carbon costs to be paid under Government policy regulations.
“For our plan to be viable – we need Ministers to provide relief from these policy costs, just as other European countries have done.
“Thousands of jobs and primary steelmaking cannot be lost because carbon costs rule out British Steel pursing a sensible and just transition to low carbon steelmaking.”