Scunthorpe MP Holly Mumby-Croft has told of her extreme disappointment at the potential loss of 260 steelmaking jobs in the town.
British Steel has proposed to end a vital process in North Lincolnshire, as negotiations continue on a support package. It looks set to close coke ovens on the integrated site, relying on imports instead.
The company has told how it felt forced to take decisive action against unprecedented cost increases, with initial steps to start negotiations lambasted in Westminster earlier this month.
Read more: Union boss warns of UK vulnerability without vital steel process as jobs hope explored
Mrs Mumby-Croft, who had triggered that debate, said: “I am extremely disappointed by this news. It will cause huge worry and distress to local residents.
“The negotiations on a support package for our steelworks, worth hundreds of millions of pounds, are still ongoing with the Government, so, I am deeply disappointed that Jingye has taken what is a commercial decision to make this raft of redundancies.
“This is not a way to behave. It sends entirely the wrong message and breaches the spirit of negotiations. In recent months I have seen a level of government focus on steel that had been genuinely encouraging. Jingye’s actions lead to questions over their commitment to our steelworks and their commitment to the community that they are a part of here in Scunthorpe.
“Decent, hardworking families across Scunthorpe will now be worried sick wondering if they will lose their jobs. Other businesses throughout the supply chain and the local economy will also be worried.”
Employees were briefed this morning, and Mrs Mumby-Croft said she will work with ministers, the Department for Work and Pensions and North Lincolnshire Council “to make sure the right support is in place”. She has also urged anyone personally affected and requiring assistance, to contact her.
“I will continue to fight for a good deal for our steelworks,” she said. “The Government has shown its commitment to this industry; millions of pounds have already been provided to help with the costs of energy, they stepped in to pay workers and are currently negotiating to help secure a strong future for steel in both our area and across the UK. All stakeholders must remain committed to doing so.”
Across the benches, Jonathan Reynolds MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, said it was “yet more worrying news for our steelworkers who desperately need a government on their side securing the bright future our steel sector could have".
He said: “Steel is the bedrock of many communities across the UK. It is the foundation our manufacturing sector is built on, crucial to any net zero ambition and the beating heart of our sovereign capability.
“That is why Labour will partner with industry to invest in the new technologies needed to keep well paid steel jobs in the UK for decades to come.”
