Union unveils plan to secure future of Scunthorpe British Steel site

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Community said its proposal would ensure the continued operation of two existing blast furnaces at the British Steel site in Scunthorpe while two new electric arc furnaces are constructed. Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss said: “The new plan from our experts at Syndex lays out the roadmap towards a just transition for British Steel in Scunthorpe, which is a site of huge strategic importance to the UK as our last remaining primary steelmaking site. “By maintaining blast furnace production whilst new technologies are introduced on-site, the new plan for Scunthorpe would avoid the need for a destructive cliff-edge for the workforce, and it provides long-term certainty for the steelworks and the wider community it supports.” A British Steel spokesperson said: “British Steel is in active discussions with the UK government about the future of our steelmaking operations. “The Business Secretary and Industry Minister met British Steel and Jingye recently, and we continue to work in partnership with trade unions and businesses to secure a green steel transition that’s right for the workforce, represents a good investment for taxpayers, and safeguards the future of the steel industry in Britain.”