Scunthorpe’s steelworks early blast furnace shutdowns are ‘nowhere near a done deal’, according to a Government minister. The announcement comes as the company consults its workforce and trade unions about closing Scunthorpe’s blast furnaces and the wider steelmaking operation, potentially affecting up to 2,700 jobs. The consultation process is exploring various options for the timing of the shutdowns, with the earliest proposal set for early June. However, Martin Vickers MP suggested that unless an order for iron ore pellets is placed this week, the furnaces could run out of raw materials by mid-May, and thus suggested temporary nationalisation. Last week, the North Lincolnshire Council held a special meeting on the steelworks, unanimously vowing to do everything possible to support the operation. A spokesperson for British Steel declined to comment on whether raw materials orders have ceased but confirmed that the company has enough raw material stocks for their blast furnaces and continues to be open to joint investment in Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking with the UK Government. Industry Minister Sarah Jones MP mentioned that the government is keen to ensure British Steel continues as a commercially run business with private investment, and the government playing a supportive role. She confirmed that the government had made a ‘generous offer of public funding’ on March 24. While the proposal and its linked conditions were not accepted by Jingye, the company’s owner, further talks are scheduled for the coming week. The government remains firm in its commitment to secure a long-term future for the Scunthorpe steelworks, and no options, including nationalisation, are off the table.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
