The Scottish Government is “determined to fight” for a future for the steel industry, the First Minister vowed as she announced a task force has been established after fears over job losses were confirmed.
Nicola Sturgeon said the group would work to keep the Tata plants at Dalzell in Motherwell and Clydebridge in Cambuslang open.
The company confirmed 270 jobs will be cut in Scotland and 900 jobs will go at its plant in Scunthorpe.
The task force will meet for the first time next week and Ms Sturgeon will also visit both plants this Thursday to meet employees, unions and management.
She said: “This is a very anxious time for Tata Steel employees and their families and is deeply concerning for everyone involved.
“My Government is determined to fight for a future for our steel industry.
“That is why I have established a Scottish Steel Task Force – to be chaired by my Business Minister Fergus Ewing – that will bring together all the key representatives to work to keep the Dalzell and Clydebridge plants open.
“We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to keep the plants open and support the 270 staff affected by today’s announcement.”
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Mr Ewing said the Scottish Government’s priority is to find a way to continue with commercial production at the sites.
“Since Tata Steel first announced the potential sale of its long products division last year, the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise have been in constant contact with the company and trade unions, exploring every possible option to keep these plants operational,” he said.
“Building on the significant amount of work that has taken place and given the potential impacts on the workforce, local communities and wider industry in Scotland, I am now convening a joint Scottish Steel Task Force to work closely with Tata Steel, trades unions, local councils and politicians.
“I will be writing to the UK Government to urge them to respond quickly to industry demands for action and to play their full part in our efforts to keep these plants open.
“The task force’s focus will be to explore every option to find a viable future for the two sites. Market conditions are hugely challenging but we will explore all options to keep operations going and secure as many Scottish steel jobs as possible.
“The search for an alternative operator is our priority, however our initiative for responding to redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment, stands ready to work with Tata Steel and with workforce representatives to provide a tailored package of support, if required, to minimise the time any individuals affected by redundancy are out of work.”
He said ways to accelerate regeneration activities in the local area would also be looked at.
Speaking at a street stall campaign to save steel jobs in Motherwell, ScottishLabour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “Today’s news is devastating, first andforemost for the workers and their families. The Scottish Government mustimmediately offer support to those who will soon be out of a job.
“The steel industry is iconic in this part of the world. It has not only sustained jobs and boosted the local economy, it’s part of Lanarkshire’s DNA.
“We cannot let the light go out on the industry without a fight. When Ferguson’s (shipyard) was going down, the Scottish Government stepped in. When Prestwick Airport was about to close, the Scottish Government stepped in. We need the Scottish Government to do the same for our steel industry.”
She added: “The workers at the Dalzell and Clydebridge plants are highly skilled and make a valuable contribution to our communities. These skills cannot be allowed to wither on the vine. Strong consideration must be given to short-time working so that the workers can maintain the skills built up over so many years. Maintaining a high skills base is vital to securing a manufacturing future for Scotland.
“The SNP Government must also take a broader look at the future of traditional industries in Scotland. From shipbuilding to oil and gas to steel, too many industries have been rocked by rapid global forces. We need a comprehensive, forensic review into how we secure the future of these industries. Constant firefighting when bad news hits is no substitute for a long-term strategy.”
SNP MSP for Central Scotland Clare Adamson said: “Today’s announcement isobviously deeply concerning for the employees at the site, their families andeveryone in the local community and my heart goes out to everyone affected.
“Lanarkshire’s steel industry is iconic not just locally but right across Scotland – and it’s right that the First Minister has pledged to leave no stone unturned in her efforts to keep these plants open, support staff and find a way to secure the industry’s future.
“Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Government have already launched the Scottish Steel Taskforce and stand ready to do everything they can to protect our steel industry – it’s now time for the UK Government to respond quickly to the industry’s demands for actions and to play their part in keeping these plants open.”
Marion Fellows, SNP MP for Motherwell and Wishaw, described the mothballing of the plant and the risk to jobs as a “devastating blow”, and said: “What we must do now is all work together to find a way forward to ensure that steel has a future in Scotland.”
Margaret Ferrier, SNP MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, added: “Both myself and Marion Fellows aim to have a constructive discussion with representatives from Community trade union at our meeting today to discuss in practical terms how best to move forward in the interests of the workforces at the Clydebridge and Dalzell plants.”