£80m available for Redcar steel workers after government rejects plea for state aid

The package includes funding for workers to train at local further education colleges plus finance to assist workers if they want to start up their own business and for local small businesses to create jobs.

According to the department for business, innovation and skills, full details of the package are being worked through and discussed with local stakeholders. The government said it would also consider proposals put forward locally by a taskforce led by Amanda Skelton, chief executive of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Business secretary Sajid Javid and business minister Anna Soubry will both be attending a meeting of the taskforce in Redcar today.

Javid said: “This is an extremely difficult time for the workforce at SSI and the local community. The package we are announcing today will provide important support to workers and the local economy. Across government we will continue to focus on providing assistance where we can.

“After weeks of discussions the government can also confirm that the company made a last minute and unrealistic request for the taxpayer to make an open-ended funding commitment to maintain the coke ovens in Redcar.