Unite, the UK’s leading union, has welcomed the government’s imposition of steel tariffs to safeguard UK jobs and industry.

But to ensure a successful future for the industry and UK’s steel communities, ministers must put in place in proactive policies that provide long-term stability.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite welcomes the strengthening of the UK’s tariff regime to prevent the dumping of cheap foreign steel onto the domestic market from June.

“But this last minute situation is just another reminder that the reactive approach to UK steel that sees it lurch from crisis to crisis needs to be overhauled.  

“Ministers must introduce a long-term strategy that secures the future of the industry, which is vital to the UK’s economy and national security, without delay.

“That includes legislating that all UK infrastructure developments and public sector projects use steel made in Britain. This can be done by designating steel as an area of critical national infrastructure.”

Unite regional secretary Peter Hughes said: “The steel strategy must be a first step in backing the UK steel industry and steelworkers.

“Steel is a foundation industry and is critical to the success of our economy. The government must also back the production of virgin green steel as we can’t simply rely on electric arc furnaces, to produce all the steel we need.”

ENDS
 
Notes to editors
 
For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.
 
Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org
 
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Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.