The report of the North East Regional Select Committee is correct to hold Corus responsible for the chain of events that has led to the mothballing of Teesside Cast Products (TCP) said Community Union. The report reveals the committee’s finding that the root cause of the closure of TCP was the closure of the Teesside Plate Mill, a decision that was opposed by Community at the time.
Community welcomes the report’s call upon Corus to retain a sufficiently large workforce to ensure that TCP remains a viable steel plant or admit that mothballing in this instance is a euphemism for closure.
Commenting on the North East Regional Select Committee report, Michael J. Leahy OBE said;
"The MPs have hit the nail on the head - all focus is now on Corus. If they cannot make a profit from Teesside Cast Products they must sell or lease the plant, retain the necessary skills and resume steelmaking as soon as possible.
"There is a window of opportunity and Corus must take this to ensure 10,000 jobs in Teesside are not put at risk.
"The Select Committee should be commended for their insightful report - we too share their regret that Kirby Adams did not appear before the committee in person as there are still questions left unanswered.
"We remain focused on finding a buyer for TCP - we know people are interested - Corus and Kirby Adams must show they are serious."
Today marks the halfway point in the grace period the Trade Unions have provided to Corus to find a real solution for the workforce on Teesside. In 7 days, the National Steel Coordinating Committee will meet to consider whether Corus have made sufficient progress towards a real solution or if it is necessary to ballot for industrial action.’