British Steel to offer other jobs to 250 staff hit by coke ovens closure
The company said the coke ovens, situated at its integrated steelmaking site in Scunthorpe, are reaching the end of their operational life.
British Steel is to offer alternative jobs to around 250 workers affected by the closure of its Scunthorpe coke ovens.
The company has said it will close the coke ovens as part of its drive to overcome global economic challenges and build a green and sustainable future.
A British Steel spokesperson said: “In the coming months we will press ahead with the closure of the coke ovens and we are pleased to say all employees affected by this decision will be offered alternative roles in the business.
We are still waiting for the British Government to adopt the correct policies and frameworks now to back our drive to become a clean, green and successful company
“We appreciate this has been a difficult time for everyone involved and I’d like to thank our people and the trade unions for their professionalism throughout the consultation process.”
The company, owned by the Chinese Jingye Group, said the coke ovens at its integrated steelmaking site in Scunthorpe, north Lincolnshire, are reaching the end of their operational life and their closure will bring environmental benefits, including reductions in emissions to air and water.
“Jingye has invested £330 million in capital projects at British Steel during its first three years of ownership but we also need the support of the UK Government with whom we remain in talks.
“We are looking forward to rapidly progressing these discussions as Jingye is committed to transforming our business with planned investments providing the government can give assurances of a competitive landscape for energy and carbon.
“Our decarbonisation strategy is underpinned by our low-carbon roadmap, which will help secure low-embedded carbon steelmaking in the UK.
“However, we are still waiting for the British Government to adopt the correct policies and frameworks now to back our drive to become a clean, green and successful company.”