by Our News Desk

BRITAIN’S world-renowned steel industry could be wiped out in a year if current closures and job losses continue, the TUC warned yesterday.

The prediction coincided with steel firm Caparo announced plans to sack 1,800 workers, mainly in the West Midlands.

The losses come on top of 1,200 expected at Tata in Scunthorpe and Scotland and 3,000 at SSI in Teesside in the north-east.

The government has refused to offer support.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “One in six UK steelworkers face losing their jobs. At this rate there won’t be a British steel industry in a year’s time.

“Ministers cannot afford to stand on the sidelines and watch this crisis unfold. They must step in now with a rescue package.”

Britain’s biggest union Unite renewed calls for government action.

Assistant general secretary Tony Burke said: “This is yet another hammer blow for steel and manufacturing communities across the UK already reeling from the closure of Redcar and job losses at Tata steel.

“Government ministers need to ask themselves how many more steel firms need to go to the wall before they step in and support the UK’s steel industry?”

Shadow business secretary Angela Eagle said: “The industry needs urgent action from the government. However this government seems content to let the industry fail.”

Steelworkers’ union Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss said of the Caparo announcement: “This news is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for government action to help our steel industry survive.”