9,300 jobs across the region could be hit by steel tariffs, warns GMB

The steel workers union, the GMB, has published figures which show the newly imposed US steel tariffs threaten 34,000 UK jobs – with 9,300 jobs in this region at potential threat.

The policy came into force on Friday, meaning anyone in the US importing the metals from the EU will have to pay an additional tax. The Trump administration has implemented a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminium, citing national security interests.

On Friday, Prime Minister Theresa May said she was “disappointed” at the US decision and she is is expected to raise the issue at a G7 leaders meeting this week.

In total, more than a billion pounds are paid in wages to steelworkers across the UK each year – with more than £230m paid to the exchequer in tax and national insurance contributions.

The region most at risk is Yorkshire and the Humber, where 9,500 jobs could be hit. Just behind is Wales, where the union says there are 9,250 jobs at risk.

The levies have now been imposed on the EU, Canada and Mexico, after they were previously granted exemptions.

Jude Brimble, GMB National Secretary, said: “The Government must act urgently to protect the livelihoods of more than 30,000 steel workers. It’s clear that Donald Trump’s tariffs could have a devastating impact on steel communities and the wider UK economy.”