Closure of coke ovens threatens up to 260 jobs at British Steel
Up to 260 jobs could be lost at British Steel’s integrated steelmaking site in Scunthorpe site following the company’s proposal to close its coke ovens.
The company, which saw its bills for energy and carbon increase by £190m in 2022, said decisive action is required because of the rise in operating costs, inflation and the need to improve environmental performance.
British Steel CEO Xifeng Han said: “To make sure we can deliver the steel Britain requires, we’re undergoing the biggest transformation in our 130-year history.
“We have taken action to reduce costs within our control; however, steelmaking in the UK remains uncompetitive when compared to other international steelmakers. Our energy costs, carbon costs and labour costs are some of the highest across the world.”
Commenting on the proposed closure, Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, said: “The closure of the Scunthorpe coking ovens is irreversible and will impact the national economy, as it produces such products as rails, beams and wire rod that are vital in supporting UK infrastructure and manufacturing.
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