Who Speaks for the Workers of England?

Tata Steel is selling its entire UK operations, placing 15,000 jobs at risk. This sell-off will affect English steel workers just as much as their Welsh counterparts. Yet while the Welsh have a dedicated government to fight for them, English steel workers have no First Minister to champion their cause.

Industry Insight from Stephen Morris

Stephen Morris, General Secretary of the Workers of England Union, stated:

“This steel crisis has been largely caused by China dumping cheap steel. But what happens when English steel manufacturing is gone? China will not sell cheap steel when England can no longer produce her own steel. It is just commercial common sense for China to increase the price as they will not have any competition in England.”

He continued: “The steel market in 10–15 years could be viable in England, but unless it is kept going through this time, England will not benefit from its revival. The UK government has a duty to citizens to promote industrial growth, but it has failed the English steel worker. Instead, it is weakly accepting that English steel will close simply because China is dumping cheap steel across the EU. We need an English government to protect our industries, as the UK government has proved its incompetence beyond any doubt now.”

Where is the English government fighting to protect the English steel industry? We have a Welsh government and a Scottish Government both eager to broker deals to save their industries. Who speaks for England? The answer is that no one is specifically allocated to speak on behalf of English steel workers. How much longer will the people of England be denied their rightful voice?

Tata to sell entire UK steel operations

Tata Steel has confirmed it intends to sell its entire steel operations in the UK, putting the jobs of about 15,000 workers at risk. The Indian-owned business has been instructed by its European arm to explore “all options for portfolio restructuring” following a board meeting in Mumbai.

Union Reaction and Industry Impact

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey described the announcement as “a very dark day for the proud communities and a proud industry which is now on the verge of extinction in this country.” The planned disposal affects Tata’s steelmaking plant in Port Talbot, South Wales, as well as sites in Rotherham, Corby and Shotton.

A company statement reads:

“Given the severity of the funding requirement in the foreseeable future, the Tata Steel Europe Board will be advised to evaluate and implement the most feasible option in a time-bound manner.”

Tata, which bought Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus in 2007, blamed high manufacturing costs, market weakness and increased imports into Europe from countries like China for its decision. It has “extended substantial financial support” to the UK business and suffered more than £2 billion in asset impairments over the last five years.

Government and Union Collaboration

Both the Welsh and UK governments have vowed to work with Tata. In a joint statement, ministers said:

“This is a difficult time for workers in Port Talbot and across the UK. During the review process, we remain committed to working with Tata and the unions on a long-term sustainable future for British steelmaking.”

Roy Rickhuss, General Secretary of the steelworkers’ trade union Community, added:

“We travelled to Mumbai to secure a future for steelmaking in South Wales and are disappointed that the future remains uncertain, not just for Welsh steelworkers but for thousands more in Tata’s businesses elsewhere in the UK. However, our worst fear that Tata would announce plant closures today has not been realised. This is testament to the skills, experience and passion of UK steelworkers. They are a world-class asset, and now it seems other investors will have the opportunity to continue generations of world-class steel production.”

In addition, Tata confirmed it remains in talks with investor Greybull Capital regarding a sale of the UK long products business.