Steel Firm SSI UK ‘To Go Into Liquidation’

SSI UK, which owns the Redcar steelworks, has gone into liquidation - leaving more than 1,700 workers facing unemployment.

Sources say that the board has applied to wind up the Teesside business, with a formal announcement to be made later.

The Press Association says it is understood that PricewaterhouseCoopers are to be appointed liquidators.

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community trade union which is representing many of the SSI UK workers, said: "This is, of course, yet further devastating news for the workforce, their families and the community.

"Although it has been faced by significant market challenges, SSI must bear a great deal of responsibility for this situation and for the way its owners have treated the workforce in recent weeks...

"SSI should do the right thing and get out of the way so others can give steel a chance of a future on Teesside."

The news comes as the government announced an £80m support package for workers who have been made redundant as a result of the mothballing of the plant.

The money will provide training for the workers, and also enable other local businesses to grow and create jobs.

Funding will also be available for workers who would like to start their own businesses, and tailored support will be given at local job centres.

In a statement announcing the initiative Business Secretary Sajid 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.”

The full details of the deal were being discussed on Friday, with both the Business Secretary and Business Minister Anna Soubry attending talks with a local taskforce.

Gareth Stace, director of the trade association for the steel industry, UK Steel, said: “This is a welcome announcement to support the local community in its hour of need.

"However, the much bigger issue is the future of the steel industry in the UK, which - make no mistake - is in crisis.

"The Government is able to ensure steel companies operate on a level playing field and it must use this opportunity to support the steel sector as I fear time is of the essence."