Government must back British steel after new figures reveal procurement failure

Unite, Britain and Ireland’s largest union, is calling for the government to adopt an active industrial policy after new figures revealed that less than half of the steel bought by the government was produced in the UK.

Government failing to buy British steel

Figures have been released which reveal that just 43 per cent of the steel bought by the UK government and valued at £68 million was produced in the UK, with 42 per cent being produced overseas. Experts have been unable to ascertain where a further 15 per cent of steel, worth £22 million originated.

Deeply depressing

Unite national officer for steel Tony Brady said: “These figures are deeply depressing and demonstrate once again that the government is failing to support British steel workers.

“British steel workers produce a world class product and have made countless sacrifices in order to keep production of steel in the UK. They will consider the failure of the government to buy the products they have made, a complete betrayal.

“These figures, yet again, demonstrate why the government needs to introduce an active industrial policy to ensure that all its departments purchase UK steel, whenever possible.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Daily Mirror: Less than half of steel bought by the government came from the UK

For more information please contact Unite communications officer Barckley Sumner on 020 3371 2067 or 07802 329235.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest trade union working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.