Unite criticises Tata for “mounting uncertainty” over sale of steelworks

Unite has demanded manufacturer Tata Steel “come clean” over the possibility it could break up its UK business in an attempt to find a buyer.

The union has said such a move, reports of which emerged late yesterday, would amount to a breach of the promises made by the company to act as a responsible seller and called on Tata to honour its responsibilities to its workforce who are concerned about the future of their jobs.

The UK’s largest trade union went on to attack the firm for not properly informing its workforce, leaving them to discover the news through the media.

Harish Patel, Unite national officer for metals, demanded the firm must provide details of their plans for the rest of the business.

“We are extremely concerned that Tata appears to be walking away from their commitments to this workforce, which is to keep the business together and act as a responsible seller.

“Furthermore, for our members to discover that Tata is pursuing an alternative options through the media and not through the proper channels is appalling. This workforce has been through enough trauma and uncertainty without their fates and that of their communities being communicated via briefings to the media.

“Tata now need to come clean about their plans for the remainder of their UK businesses.  They have made promises to this workforce and to the UK people.  They must not renege on these.”

Tata, based in Mumbai, announced it would sell its UK steelplants in March, directly risking 15,000 jobs, as well as those from the wider supply chain linked to the industry. Since then the firm has sold its Long Products division, which includes sites in Scunthorpe, York, Teesside and Workington, securing the future of many staff there, but has more operations in Port Talbot (above) which are yet to be sold.