THURS, jan 16, 2020
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REACTION TO LIBERTY JOB CUTS LOCAL steelworkers were dealt a huge blow last week as it was announced that around 250 jobs will be lost at the Stocksbridge plant of Liberty Steel. The move follows a review of its UK business in response to what Liberty describes as challenging market conditions and a lingering reduction in demand for UK steel products. Cornelius Louwrens, chief executive at Liberty Steel UK, said: “Liberty has taken enormous strides in improving the performance of the steel mills it has acquired over the last six years. We’ve re-started mothballed plants and demonstrated a commitment to invest in the UK. “Unfortunately, the steel industry in the UK is facing challenging conditions and we have made the difficult decision that there is a need to reduce the workforce at a handful of locations, in order to make them sustainable for the long-term.
“It has always been our intention, and always will be, to avoid compulsory redundancies. Therefore the creation of the GFG Workforce Solutions now offers those impacted the security of ongoing employment as an alternative.” Ross Murdoch, national officer for steelworker union GMB, added: “Our steelworkers deserve better than this.
“The government urgently needs to intervene and ensure steel companies in the UK receive the backing they have long called for on energy costs and business rates. “GMB will of course engage with the company to mitigate any losses for our members and will continue to campaign with our sister steel trade unions to bring about the support and investment required.” Penistone and Stocksbridge MP, Miriam Cates said: “This is devastating news for steelworkers, their families and our whole community and I will do everything I can
to support all those who have been affected by this decision. I have spoken to Liberty Steel this morning and I hope to visit the Stocksbridge site as soon as possible.
“This is a difficult time for the UK steel industry and Liberty have made clear that global market conditions have been the major factor in this decision. I have today written to the Business Minister, Nadhim Zahawi to secure a meeting with him next week to discuss what support the government can offer to the steel industry and its workers going forward. I have also spoken to Mayor Dan Jarvis and I know that the Sheffield City Region team are standing by to help in any way they can. “It is vital that we do everything we can to support those who are losing their jobs, including looking at what new industries and training opportunities we can bring to the area and I will be working closely with the government on this in the coming months. But today my thoughts are with the 250 mem-
bers of our community who have received such terrible news.” Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “It is devastating news to hear of the job losses at Liberty Steel, which could affect many people in Sheffield. “We know that falling levels of demand and the impact of Brexit have made for very challenging trading conditions but we remain optimistic that, given the skills of the retained workforce and previous investment facilities, there remains a viable and vitally important speciality steels business in Stocksbridge. “The council is working alongside Liberty Steel to develop re-training and redeployment opportunities with the aim of minimising the number of compulsory redundancies needed. It’s vital the Government act now to provide all necessary support to the business and of course, the individuals concerned.”
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