Jessica O'ConnorThe Government has been urged to step in to safeguard jobs and the future of Liberty Steel after the company was placed into administration following a High Court hearing.
Unite, which represents workers at the firm, said long-term guarantees are needed to protect employment and secure the company’s role in the UK’s critical national infrastructure.
Liberty Steel, which supplies specialist steel to blue-chip clients including those in the aviation sector, is considered a key part of the national economy.
The union has called for urgent talks with ministers to discuss the next steps for workers and the wider steel industry.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “The Government must provide long-term guarantees that it will protect jobs but also the company itself which forms part of the UK’s critical infrastructure.
“The products that Liberty Steel produces are crucial for the success of the UK economy.
“If the right buyer cannot be found then the government should be prepared to run the company itself and ensure it is ready to meet the challenges of the future.”
