SSI puts Redcar steelworks into liquidation

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The move, granted by a judge in manchester just hours ago, deals a blow to hopes that the plant can be saved.

The Official Receiver has been appointed liquidator and will now assess the assets and determine how many workers will be retained.

Around 1,700 jobs are now set to be lost, with thousands more in the supply chain.

Plunging steel prices have been blamed for the decision, with steel's trade body saying the industry is now in crisis.

Unions reacted with anger and dismay, warning that the heart of the community on Teesside was being "ripped out".

SSI, which has been devastated by a fall in global steel prices, announced on Monday that it was proposing to cut around 1,700 jobs.

Sources said that the board had applied to wind up the Teesside business, with a formal announcement being made later today.

The move followed a Government has announcement of an £80 million package to support workers who have lost their jobs at the huge steel plant.

Around 1,700 jobs are being axed after SSI announced earlier this week it was mothballing iron and steelmaking.

The money includes funding for workers to train at local further education colleges and to help them start up their own business.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid, who attended a meeting of a local taskforce in Redcar today, 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."

Roy Rickhuss, General Secretary of Community said: "This is of course yet further devastating news for the workforce, their families and the community. We will be taking steps to ensure our members' interests are represented through this process and putting claims forward for what they are owed. My union, Community, will establish our own taskforce of organisers, legal and education and training officers to support our members, their families and the entire community on Teesside at this extremely difficult time.
 
"We also repeat our call for government intervention that we have been making for the past few weeks and which I impressed upon the minister again at our meeting yesterday. Government must ensure that the industrial assets are protected and skills are retained to give steel making a chance of a future. We believe there are parties who could ensure that the industrial assets are mothballed safely, with reduced environmental impact, and we would encourage the liquidators to look favourably on this option as offering the best opportunity to secure a return to creditors. A community on Teesside is looking to the government to take further action. 
 
"Although it has been faced by significant market challenges, SSI must bear a great deal of responsiblity for this situation and for the way its owners have treated the workforce in recent weeks.  They have ignored letters, failed to respond to direct questions, held back payments and kept the workforce in the dark. There has been a lack of respect for the workforce that has done so much to beat production records and continue the proud steel making tradition.

"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 Government confirmed that the company made a "last minute and unrealistic" request for the taxpayer to make an "open-ended" funding commitment to maintain the coke ovens in Redcar.

A statement by the Business Department said: "The Government cannot accept the request. On the basis of the limited business case it was given, the Government has no confidence that this is a realistic proposal for taxpayers to support.

"In addition, it would be illegal and in breach of state aid rules. The company has never made a profit and the board's proposal would do nothing to address the huge debts outstanding to local suppliers and other parties."

A spokesman for the Community union said: "We have been saying for weeks that SSI is not fit for purpose. It is clear that SSI has yet again put forward a plan to government that lacks credibility.

"We believe there are alternative plans and parties who could intervene to protect the industrial assets. Government's responsibility has not ended with the announcement of this support package.

"It should intervene to remove SSI and support an alternative approach that gives steel-making an improved chance of a future."

The Government had warned that liquidation of SSI in the UK was now a "risk" after the company entered "rehabilitation" under Thai law.

A steel summit will be held on October 16, involving steel companies, MPs, unions and governments to discuss the future of the industry.

Gareth Stace, director of trade body UK Steel, said: "This is 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.

"It is for Government to decide whether there was a case for using taxpayers' money and if this wasn't made for business reasons then we have to accept that.

"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

"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."