The taskforce set up to save Scotland’s steel industry should give “serious consideration” to public or employee buyouts of two Lanarkshire plants earmarked for closure, according to MSPs.
Business minister Fergus Ewing said all options are being considered as part of efforts to keep the the Dalzell and Clydebridge sites up and running, but the “best possible option” is to find a new commercial operator.
Mr Ewing was addressing Holyrood ahead of the first meeting of the taskforce on Thursday.
It was set up after steel firm Tata confirmed 270 jobs will go at the two plants, resulting in the effective end of steel production north of the border.
Labour MSP John Pentland said the taskforce should consider a government takeover of the plant while SNP MSP Chic Brodie said an employee buyout, aided by a state loan, should be explored.
Mr Pentland said: “The First Minister is on record as saying nothing is off the table and she will leave no stone unturned in the attempt to keep Dalzell and Clydebridge steel works open, with options that include, as with Prestwick, public ownership.
“Given this is a possibility, and one that I think must be given serious consideration, what is the Scottish Government doing to assess and prepare for such an outcome?
Mr Brodie said: “Can I ask that the government engages with Tata and the workforce to consider an employee buyout, to be exercised with a repayable loan from the government?
“My experience tells me that in those circumstances, and with capital investment, productivity increases, costs reduce and you get higher quality results. This can all be done very quickly.”
Mr Ewing said: “Of course we are considering all potential options.
“It is accurate to say that our preferred option is to identify a buyer, a commercial operator, and I think that patently would be the best possible option.
“All other options involving any element of public state support immediately risk difficulty with state aid rules, but I do want to reassure the chamber, as the First Minister has confirmed, that all options will be considered, but the main focus of the taskforce will be to secure a private sector operator for both sites.”
He said: “In Lanarkshire we have a highly-skilled workforce. It is essential that these skills are not lost but put to productive use. Our primary focus remains on seeking an alternative owner for these plants, which we recognise won’t be easy.
“While I don’t think it is helpful to speculate on which individual commercial organisations may be interested, I can assure you that we will work with all parties who could help with future investment in the plants.
“I am sure the chamber will recognise that any discussions in relation to potential alternative operators must be conducted in commercially confidential terms.”
Mr Ewing said Scottish Development International offices would be used to generate interest across the world.
“I firmly believe that there can be a viable future for a steel industry in Scotland and I can assure you that this government will do everything in its power to seek a secure and sustainable future for the Tata sites in Scotland,” he added.