by Keith Richmond
COMMUNITY, the union which represents the majority of British workers at the steel company Corus, has reacted angrily to the firm’s announcement that it wants to cut 2,500 jobs and make major changes to its pension scheme.
Michael Leahy, the union’s general secretary, is seeking urgent talks with the company. He said: “This announcement is a devastating blow to workers and contractors at Corus and will have a knock-on effect for thousands in steel communities across the UK.
“This is no reflection on the workforce, which has consistently delivered productivity improvements year-on-year and who make the steel industry such a crucial part of the manufacturing base in Britain.
“Our aim through the consultation process will be to minimise job losses, avoid compulsory redundancies and ensure there is a long-term future for the UK steel industry.”
The company, which employs 42,000 workers worldwide, wants to cut a total of 3,500 jobs; 2,500 of them in Britain where it employs 24,000 people.
