SSI to close Redcar steel plant, affecting 1700 jobs, amid the collapse of global steel prices
SSI is closing its Redcar steel plant, with the loss of up to 1,700 jobs, it was announced this morning.
Production had been suspended last week as the firm attempted to ride out the collapse of global steel prices.
Workers staged a rally over the weekend as they attempted to keep their jobs, saying it was "a battle we cannot afford to lose". They wore t-shirts with the slogan "Save Our Steel".
But their efforts have come to nothing as this morning's announcement showed.
SSI UK business director Cornelius Louwrens said: "This is an extremely sad day for all of us at SSI UK"
Redcar MP Anna Turley said on Twitter that it was "devastating news."
https://twitter.com/annaturley/status/648429898059616256
More to follow…