'Today is payday': Union warns wages for workers at liquidated steel c

[ad_1]

A union has welcomed the government taking over a troubled steel company, but is warning that payment for workers must be a top priority.

Speciality Steels UK – which employs almost 1,500 people – was pushed into compulsory liquidation yesterday, and is the third-largest producer in the country.

It is part of the Liberty Steel empire owned by metals tycoon Sanjeev Gupta, and operates from sites in Rotherham and several other locations across South Yorkshire.

The government has stressed it will cover staff wages and the running cost of the plants until a buyer is found.

Speaking to Sky’s Anna Jones, Community Union National Secretary Alun Davies said workers are “concerned” about the developments.

He added: “Today is payday – but because the bank accounts were closed, I think the special managers and the HR team now are working with the unions to get that pay in today or as soon as they can.”

With a bank holiday weekend fast approaching, workers may only receive their wages on Tuesday unless payments are made as a matter of urgency.

Mr Davies said he is confident that the plants have a future, telling Sky News: “If we use British-made steel for British infrastructure projects, it creates jobs, it grows economies and it gets our economy back on track, which is what this Labour government is trying to do.”

While he said government investment is valuable, the union official cautioned: “If we can find a decent buyer – a reputable steel company that knows what they’re doing – we’re open to all options.

“We’re not going to just say nationalise or part-nationalise, it’s what’s best for the business and gets the business up and running as soon as possible … if the government takes ownership, that is a significant cost to the taxpayer.”