News: Steel industries working party invited to London

Representatives from Rotherham Council will travel to London this week to meet with some of the HR and corporate affairs directors of Corus. The Council has already helped set up a working party for councils with steel industries in their areas to lobby and work together to support steel communities in the UK. Last week a delegation of members and officers met with representatives of the All Party Parliamentary Metals Group (APPMG) and UK Steel (Engineering Employers Federation) to discuss the down-turn in the steel markets and the consequent loss of up to 2,500 direct jobs across the UK. The meeting outlined the aim of finding a way to help the industry build on its strengths when it finally emerges from the current recession, as well as dealing with the aftermath of significant job losses and the impact this will have on some of the communities represented. Members have also been being invited to attend a steel summit on March 31 at which the Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson will be present. Last month, local Rotherham MP John Healey visited the Aldwarke site to receive an update from Corus bosses and speak to those facing redundancy. In the meantime he has been working behind the scenes with the company, Rotherham Council and Yorkshire Forward to make sure as much help, advice and support is made available as possible.

Rotherham