British Steel: A third-generation Scunthorpe steelworker fighting cuts

Martin Foster, a third generation steel worker and Unite convenor, warns the cuts will decimate families in Scunthorpe

British Steel intends to shut its blast furnaces at Scunthorpe; a move that could result in up to 2,000 job losses.

BBC News speaks to one third-generation steelworker and full-time Unite union convenor fighting to protect livelihoods.

"It feels very personal..." admits Martin Foster, a full-time Unite union convenor at British Steel's Scunthorpe plant. He draws a sharp intake of breath, composing himself, before continuing his sentence.

"...because those people that I represent mean something to me."

Since the 19th Century, when ironstone was first discovered here, this Lincolnshire town has relied on the sector.

It's clear why Mr Foster feels under attack: the workers he represents are his neighbours, friends and family.

British Steel is planning to close its blast furnaces at Scunthorpe

Mr Foster, who joined the works in 1978, is from a long line of steelworkers. He wears the stress of years of arduous work and job uncertainty.

"For the last 15 years we have been fighting for the steel industry and it feels like a never-ending battle," he says.

British Steel says the blast furnaces need to go as part of its £1.25bn plan to create "a clean, green and sustainable business".

However, the unions say it will come at a huge cost, with up to 2,000 jobs - most of them in Scunthorpe - expected to be lost.

Mr Foster says he sees families, not numbers.

"Two thousand job losses is not just 2,000 job losses - it's 2,000 families decimated," he says.

"We need to do everything we can to protect these jobs."

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Unite has set out "four pledges for steel" it is asking whoever forms the next government to commit to:

• Change procurement rules to let UK public contracts use 100% UK steel. This alone can create 8,000 jobs, the union claims

• Public investment for a steelworkers' transition plan, with no loss of jobs. The union is calling for a phased workers' transition to so-called "green steel". The investment needed is £1bn per year over 12 years, but the union claims "it will pay for itself with increased revenue"

• Tackle energy prices. The union wants electricity price caps and public ownership of the grid to make British steel even more competitive

• Take a stake. The union says public investment for steel must come with solid job guarantees

Nearly 24,000 people have so far signed a petition that accompanies the four pledges.

The government concedes the plan to close the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe, as well as Port Talbot in Wales, will leave the UK without the ability to make "virgin steel", but says output from new electric arc furnaces will cover most of the UK's needs.

Mr Foster says: "We're asking the government, whose side are you on? We're asking the government to stand by these four pledges."

In Scunthorpe, the steelworks dominate the skyline, but Mr Foster says they go deeper than the physical landscape.

"The steelworks is knitted into the structure of Scunthorpe life," he explains. "As the steelworks has expanded so has the town."

A file image of one of British Steel's blast furnaces

Mr Foster, whose grandfather toiled as a bricklayer at the town's former Normanby Park steelworks, says the consequences of Britain losing its once-mighty steel industry will be severe for towns like Scunthorpe.

"If we lose the industry it will probably be the end of Scunthorpe as we know it. Businesses will close. People will move away.

"They will no doubt bring industrial parks to the area but it will not replace the well-paid jobs we have enjoyed in the steel industry for decades."

Watch Martin Foster's full interview on Politics North on BBC1 at 10:00 GMT on Sunday.