Liberty Steel to furlough 200 workers in Rotherham meltshop during coronavirus pandemic

The manufacturer is pausing liquid steel production at its Rotherham works for three weeks, starting immediately, due to a drop in demand caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

The firm said employees at the meltshop there would be furloughed during the suspension but downstream operations – including rolling mills – remained open and it was continuing to dispatch products.

In a statement, Liberty Steel said: "In common with employers across the UK, Liberty Steel is adapting its business in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 epidemic.

"The health and well-being of our people remains Liberty Steel’s top priority. We are therefore taking all necessary steps in accordance with WHO and government advice to protect our workforce, including ensuring that social distancing regulations are followed.

"It remains our goal to keep our steelworks open, given the key role our industry plays in supplying equipment for essential industries – including healthcare, food production and national infrastructure. However, we are adapting production to meet demand on a site-by-site basis, and taking decisive action where necessary.

"In response to changing patterns of customer demand, Liberty Steel is to idle liquid steel production at its Rotherham steelworks for a period of three weeks, with immediate effect. This is a temporary measure but it will involve furloughing employees who work in the meltshop. Downstream operations, including rolling mills, remain open and we continue to dispatch products.

"Our Rotherham meltshop has the advantage of flexibility, allowing us to pause production for short periods without any damage to equipment. We are grateful for the support and understanding of our employees, customers, suppliers, unions and the local community."

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