'Grim' September ahead with 6,000 steel and oil jobs to go

Published On Sep 9, 2024, 6:59 PM

The UK government is preparing for a tough September as it expects to cut around 6,000 jobs in the steel and oil refining sectors, with major cuts planned at Port Talbot, British Steel Scunthorpe, and Grangemouth. These job losses come amid ongoing discussions about the future of these plants, with government support focusing on investments in greener facilities rather than subsidizing existing carbon-intensive operations. Labor unions are concerned about the implications of these cuts, particularly as some plants may not be economically viable under current conditions, and there is uncertainty surrounding the availability and future of virgin steel production in the UK. The government maintains that it aims to support good jobs while pushing for decarbonization and economic growth.