Budget is an opportunity to back steel sector

Speaking ahead of this week’s budget, Community General Secretary Roy Rickhuss said:

“It’s notable that the pre-budget press briefings coming from the Treasury – which appear to be little more than repackaged announcements – contain no reference to the steel industry. It’s alarming that a sector which underpins our manufacturing base, and one which is essential for national security and sovereignty, continues to serve as an after-thought for this government. While other European countries like Germany are investing billions in supporting their own domestic steel industries to decarbonise and grow, the UK Government has taken the cheapest option on the table with their and Tata’s discredited bad deal for steel.

“It doesn’t have to be this way, and the budget this week presents the Chancellor with an opportunity to match Labour’s commitment to invest £3bn to protect the UK’s capacity to make primary steel. The government must also look again at the cut-price deal they have signed off for Port Talbot and the downstream sites. If they were to double their £500m package – which would still be a drop in the ocean compared to what is happening in competitor nations in Europe – our Multi-Union plan could be facilitated. These credible proposals would avoid compulsory redundancies and safeguard Britain’s primary steelmaking capacity.”

Community is the steelworkers’ union. More steelworkers are members of Community than any other union, and we represent the vast majority of workers impacted by Tata’s decarbonisation plans. We have a history dating back over a century, representing members and campaigning to protect Britain’s steel industry. We are a modern trade union, campaigning for a better working world.

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