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Scottish steel task force to hold first meeting Scottish steel task force in 'urgent action' pledge
(about 13 hours later)
A task force is due to meet for the first time to discuss the planned mothballing of Tata Steel operations in Scotland. A task force set up to discuss the planned mothballing of two Tata Steel plants in Scotland has agreed to work "urgently" to find a buyer for the businesses.
The group will be chaired by Scotland's business minister Fergus Ewing and include representatives from trade unions and Tata, as well as councils. The announcement came after the group held its first meeting.
Tata last week announced plans to close its plants in Motherwell and Cambuslang, putting 270 jobs at risk. It was chaired by Scotland's business minister Fergus Ewing and included representatives from trade unions and Tata, as well as councils.
Ministers have vowed to do what they can to keep the plants going. Tata last week announced plans to close plants in Motherwell and Cambuslang.
A total of 225 jobs are threatened at the Dalzell plate rolling works in Motherwell, along with 45 posts at the Clydebridge plant in Cambuslang.A total of 225 jobs are threatened at the Dalzell plate rolling works in Motherwell, along with 45 posts at the Clydebridge plant in Cambuslang.
Tata also announced plans to cut 900 posts at its facility in Scunthorpe.Tata also announced plans to cut 900 posts at its facility in Scunthorpe.
The industry blames cheap Chinese imports and high energy costs for a collapse in steel prices.The industry blames cheap Chinese imports and high energy costs for a collapse in steel prices.
The task force, which will meet in Hamilton, has been charged with looking for new owners for some or all of the operations north of the border and support affected workers. Following the first task force meeting in Hamilton, Mr Ewing said: "Today's first meeting of the task force was a chance for all members to agree that our primary focus is to secure an alternative operator for the Dalzell and Clydebridge plants and retain as many jobs as possible.
It will also consider the "regeneration needs of the wider area". "Tata Steel gave an update on global market conditions, the challenges it faces in its UK operations and its commitment to work with the Task Force to find a viable future for the business.
Earlier this week, Mr Ewing said: "The Scottish government's priority is find a buyer to continue with commercial production and keep as many jobs as possible. "We also heard the optimism and determination of the trade unions to maintain a viable steel industry."
"Everyone on the task force knows how challenging that will be, but we will explore every possible option as fast as possible to meet that shared aim. Douglas Fraser
"We will not give up on the steel industry and the workers." Business and Economy Editor
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has not ruled out a Prestwick Airport-style government rescue. When the going gets tough, it's time for a task force. But for what?
She said "nothing is off the table" after holding talks with the workforce and management at Tata's Scottish plants last week. Such a force meets for the first time on Thursday. Its task is to save the Scottish steel industry. Or is it?
Prestwick Airport was bought by Scottish ministers for £1 in November 2013. Perhaps, instead, this is the forum in which to address the possibility that there is no way of keeping the slabs rolling at Dalzell and Clydebridge, and that it is proving very hard to find a buyer.
It has subsequently lost millions of pounds. Read more here.
He added: "The Scottish government has been looking urgently at what more we can do to help, on issues like business rates, energy efficiency and generation, how to cut operating costs at the plants and considering the public procurement of steel in our forward infrastructure investment programme.
"In addition, Scottish Development International now has a prospectus to take to potential operators around the world, to seek out and connect with untapped businesses and investors.
"All members of the task force agreed we will not give up on our steel industry and we will work urgently across all fronts to meet our aims."
'Devastating impact'
Eddie McAvoy, leader of South Lanarkshire Council which hosted the first task force meeting, said: "If the proposed closures go ahead it will have a devastating impact, not just on the workers involved and their families but on the wider communities.
"The best outcome would be if we can help find a way to keep these two important steel plants open."
The task force will meet again on 13 November and will be hosted by North Lanarkshire Council.