A government minister has been accused of “avoiding” engaging with workers during a recent visit to a steelworks.
Industry Minister Alan Mack visited four sites, including Port Talbot in South Wales, where jobs will be lost as owner Tata moves to produce steel in a more environmentally friendly way.
Mr Mack spent three hours in Port Talbot and also visited Celsa Steel in Cardiff and British Steel's factories in the north-east.
In a statement, he said the government would support the UK steel industry in the long term.
He was given a tour of the site for a new electric furnace proposed for Port Talbot to replace the existing coal-fired blast furnace.
Alan Davies, national director of the Community Trade Union, said: “It is noteworthy that recent industry ministers have been sneaking around steel sites this week, avoiding engagement with steelworkers. Perhaps that's not surprising. And our members would have told him what they thought about the Government's approach to steel.
“We have had a long string of Steel Ministers under the Conservative Party – now the 13th since 2010 – and the result is a woeful lack of leadership and direction for the industry in turbulent times.
“Amidst the ministerial merry-go-round, one consistent feature is that the government sees steel as a problem that needs to get off the table, rather than as the foundation of a future high-level industrial strategy.
“The Minister had the audacity to tout the government’s agreement with Tata during his whistleblower visit to Port Talbot this week.
“This bargain deal will make the UK an outlier in the G20 as the only country unable to produce its own primary steel. It would have a devastating effect. No wonder the minister didn't want to stick around to hear the truth.”
Mr Mack said: “The Government has long-term support for the UK steel industry and I am delighted to see the steelmaking industry up close on my first visit as Industry Secretary and to show that our commitment to this sector is stronger than ever. I am delighted to be able to highlight recent wins for the UK steel industry, including the launch of the UK Industry Supercharger, which will reduce costs and provide a huge boost to businesses.”
Tata claims the Port Talbot plan will secure the factory's future and avoid further job losses.
