Government announces 80m pound package for SSI Redcar steel workers

The government has announced a financial package of up to £80m to support SSI steel workers at the Redcar plant in Teesside.

The news follows Monday’s announcement by the company of the mothballing of the Redcar plant on the back of declining steel prices, which affects 1,700 jobs.

Full details of the package are still being discussed, but the money will be used to train the workers and enable other local businesses to grow and create jobs.

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.”

Gareth Stace, director of UK Steel, said this was a welcome announcement to support the local community in its hour of need.

“Government has put this marker down as a sign of intent and it is an important first step in ensuring vital skills are not lost and livelihoods are supported.

“However, the much bigger issue is the future of the steel industry in the UK which make no mistake is in crisis. The forthcoming summit now assumes ever greater importance and it is critical that the Business Secretary spearheads a campaign to secure a sustainable future for the sector.”