British Steel has announced a major recruitment drive, seeking to hire over 180 new employees as it prepares to significantly ramp up production. This marks the first time since the UK Government’s intervention to rescue the firm that new roles have been created, reflecting the company’s positive growth outlook.
The steel manufacturer confirmed that it has secured the raw materials necessary to maintain a two-blast furnace operation at its Scunthorpe site. As a result, the company will substantially increase its iron and steel production over the coming months. This move comes after the Government’s rescue package, which helped safeguard British Steel’s future following its financial difficulties under previous ownership.
The new jobs being advertised span a variety of professional, skilled, and non-skilled roles across multiple locations, including Scunthorpe, Teesside, and Skinningrove. Roles cover a wide range of sectors, including engineering, environment, chemistry, legal, safety, and even cleaning and labouring.
Interim Chief Executive Officer Allan Bell expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities the new recruitment drive would bring, saying: “With the backing of the UK Government, we are focused on cementing British Steel as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of steel. To help achieve this, and meet customer demand, we will be upping production across all our sites and recruiting more than 180 people to help drive us forward.”
Bell continued, “These are exciting opportunities across our business, offering rewarding careers which will play important roles in building stronger futures for our business and the UK economy.” The company aims to continue its growth trajectory and solidify its position as a key player in the global steel industry.
The majority of the positions are expected to be based in Scunthorpe, where the company’s main steelworks site is located. This includes a variety of roles essential for the efficient operation of the plant, as well as positions aimed at supporting the company’s broader ambitions in environmental management and safety.
Lisa Coulson, the interim Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the company’s commitment to its employees, stating: “Our employees always have been and always will be our greatest asset – they are the people who make British Steel such an incredible place to work. Together we have a bright future, so apply now and join our team.”
The announcement has been welcomed by trade unions and local representatives, who see it as a positive sign for the steel industry and the local communities in Scunthorpe, Teesside, and Skinningrove. Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, said: “This is great news for workers and the wider communities in Scunthorpe, Teesside, and Skinningrove. It shows the value of using the power of government to protect UK industry and to help it thrive.”
He continued: “We now need an industrial strategy with plans to protect and create jobs in sectors like energy, vehicles, chemicals, and ceramics.”
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Alun Davies, National Secretary for Steel at the Community Union, also voiced his support, stating: “Under the site’s previous ownership, we regularly highlighted that there was a need to recruit to keep up with workload and reduce reliance on overtime. This went unheeded for far too long. It’s good to see that the UK Government and UK management team are taking swift action to address this by recruiting new staff across the business.”
The recruitment drive is part of British Steel’s efforts to strengthen its workforce and increase output. It’s an indication of the company’s commitment to recovery and growth following the support it received from the Government. British Steel is hosting a recruitment open day on Saturday, May 17, where potential candidates can learn more about the opportunities available.
The recruitment initiative is expected to contribute positively not only to the company’s production capacity but also to the local economy, with more job opportunities bringing benefits to the surrounding communities. As British Steel takes these important steps towards revitalising its operations, the recruitment drive is a hopeful signal for the future of UK manufacturing and the steel industry in particular.
