British Steel has committed to offer alternative roles to around 250 colleagues affected by the closure of its Scunthorpe coke ovens.
The company will close the coke ovens as part of its drive to overcome global economic challenges and build a green and sustainable future.
Last year the company saw its bills for energy and carbon increase by £190m and it said decisive action is required because of the unprecedented rise in operating costs, surging inflation and the need to improve environmental performance.
Following a full review of the business rationale behind the coke ovens proposal, and as a result of there being no compulsory redundancies among coke ovens employees, the trade unions have confirmed they will not object to the proposed closure and that the formal consultation process on this matter is now complete.
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 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’s coke ovens at Scunthorpe are reaching the end of their operational life and their closure will bring environmental benefits including reductions in emissions to air and water, says the company.
