Unite assistant general secretary for manufacturing Steve Turner said: “Steel is a foundation industry and is essential for the recovery of the UK economy as we rebuild from Covid-19.

 “Unite is urging the government to do everything that is necessary in order to preserve Liberty Steel and secure its long-term future.  This is key to protecting the jobs of its workforce and the communities where it is based, to safeguard its supply chain and ensure its customers receive the products they require.

 “No option should be ruled out in protecting the long-term future of Liberty Steel and that must include the option of nationalising the business.

 “Unite has met the business secretary on several occasions as well as the senior management team at GFG Alliance and the company’s key customers, in order to ensure that no stone is left unturned in our efforts to secure its future.

 “It is imperative that such partnership working continues until the long-term future of Liberty Steel is determined.

 “The success of Liberty Steel is essential if the government is to deliver on its levelling up agenda and the development of the nation’s core  infrastructure outside the South East.

 “The loss of Liberty Steel and the specialist products it manufacturers for the aerospace, automotive and oil and gas sectors would have damaging consequences beyond the steel sector itself.

 “While the loss of the thousands of skilled, well paid, unionised, jobs it provides is unthinkable, deskilling whole communities, ripping hope of a secure, job from future generations and damaging regional economies in areas of the country where unemployment is already high and wage rates are below average.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.