New steel procurement guidance welcomed

Community welcomes the UK government’s announcement of new procurement rules to promote British industry, jobs and skills.

The Cabinet Office is set to consult on new measures to boost sectors that are critical to national security, like steel. This will include central government departments being instructed to prioritise UK-produced steel products for infrastructure projects.

Community Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid said:

“Community wholeheartedly welcomes this new guidance on procurement, which is something we’ve been pressing government to implement over many years through our longstanding Britain We Need Our Steel campaign.

“It has always been common sense, and a matter of public interest, that all government departments should prioritise UK-produced steel in all infrastructure projects which use taxpayer money. For the first time, this new guidance from the government will formally direct and incentivise buyers to invest in the world class steel produced on these shores. This will bolster national security, and support high quality UK jobs and strategically important supply chains.

“This announcement further demonstrates the Labour government’s steadfast commitment to our steel sector and it’s dedicated workforce. We look forward to working with government to seize the significant procurement opportunities that will emerge for our domestic steel industry over the years to come.”

You can read more on our Britain We Need Our Steel campaign here.