British Steel to consult with public over plans to shut furnaces

British Steel is planning to close its blast furnaces at its sites in Scunthorpe, pictured, and Teesside

British Steel has announced a series of consultations over plans to shut its blast furnaces at Scunthorpe.

The company has proposed replacing them with electric arc furnaces, one at Scunthorpe and one at Teesside.

Bosses said the £1.25bn proposal would ensure it could make net zero steel "for decades to come" but pledged to listen to the public.

Steelworkers' trade union Community warned the company it would not accept compulsory redundancies.

British Steel's site at Teesside

Previously, unions warned between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs could be lost, mainly in Scunthorpe, if the plans came to fruition.

British Steel said it had started "preliminary talks" with unions, and promised to support affected workers. In addition, the company said it had agreed for plans to be reviewed by a specialist on behalf of the unions.

Xijun Cao, British Steel's chief executive and president, said the company had already "engaged extensively" with the public and private sectors "to understand the feasibility" of producing net zero steel using blast furnaces.

Mr Cao claimed analysis had revealed blast furnaces were no longer viable, with the proposals designed "to transform our operations so we can make the net zero steel the UK will need for decades to come".

He said: "We'd now like to consult with the people living in our communities about our proposals to adopt a clean and sustainable way of making steel."

Mr Cao said people would be able to view the plans in greater detail and ask questions.

As many as 2,000 jobs could be lost, unions warn

Feedback from the consultation would be used "to shape any future planning applications", Mr Cao added.

Alasdair McDiarmid, assistant general secretary of Community union, said: "We know what the resounding call at these consultations will be from our members and the unions will not accept compulsory redundancies.

"We want to work with British Steel to put forward a plan for Scunthorpe and Teesside that delivers growth and jobs for both communities.

"A just transition for our steel industry is possible, but we need companies and the UK government to work with us to deliver it."

British Steel said the plans were still subject to "appropriate support" from the UK government. If approval was granted, the electric arc furnaces could be operational by late 2025, the company said.

British Steel bosses say views expressed during the consultations will be used to further shape plans

Have your say

Consultation events will take place on the following dates:

Scunthorpe

• 8 December [11:00 GMT - 15:00 GMT], at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Church Square, Scunthorpe

• 9 December [10:00 GMT - 13:00 GMT], at Central Library, Carlton Street., Scunthorpe

Teesside

• 5 December [13:00 GMT - 18:00 GMT], at The Paddock Suite, Redcar Racecourse, Redcar Lane, Redcar

• 6 December [13:00 GMT - 18:00 GMT], at The Paddock Suite, Redcar Racecourse, Redcar Lane, Redcar

People do not need to make an appointment, British Steel said.