British Steel denies reports of early plant closure
British Steel has denied that job losses at its plant in Scunthorpe could happen even sooner than expected.
National media reports suggested 2,500 roles could be axed in the run up to Christmas. The site’s blast furnaces are already due to close in the coming months.
A British Steel spokesman told the BBC no decision had been made regarding the date for the shutdown of the furnaces. But he did confirm there had been “ongoing production issues” at the plant.
He added: “Imports of raw materials are continuing but have reduced in light of ongoing production issues. We are working to restore production levels from our ageing blast furnaces.”
As part of a £1.25bn decarbonisation plan revealed in November 2023, British Steel’s owners, Jingye, said it would close the plant’s two blast furnaces and replace them with a greener electric arc furnace.
At the time, trade unions warned the move would inflict 2,000 redundancies in steel and ironmaking.
Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, is to lead a small delegation to China next month to meet British Steel’s owners in an attempt to protect the future of steelmaking in Scunthorpe.
The council has pledged to develop 300 acres at the site to create new, green engineering and energy jobs, creating more opportunities for residents to access sustainable, high-paid jobs.
Councillor Waltham said: “We have been working with British Steel and the previous Government across a number of years to protect steelmaking and livelihoods here in North Lincolnshire.
“We continue to work the new Government too and we are asking them to back our plan for the site and protect steelmaking and jobs locally.
“Whatever the plans are going forward, we have to protect the sovereign capability for blast furnace steel and create a new future for steelmaking at the same time, using taxpayers’ money to lose jobs is not acceptable.
“We are determined to protect and enhance this vital industry, which is the backbone of our local economy and essential to our national security.”
A team of three people are to travel in September to China’s Shijiazhuang province and will hold meetings with senior officers, civic leaders and directors of the company.
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