British Steel to hire over 180 new employees as production ramps up

British Steel has announced plans to recruit over 180 new staff as part of efforts to ramp up operations at its two blast furnaces. Less than a month after the government stepped in to save the company from potential closure, this hiring spree signals a major step towards securing the future of the Scunthorpe plant and reinvigorating the UK steel industry.

The positions include 165 roles in Scunthorpe and 17 others spread across Teesside and Skinningrove, aimed at bolstering production capabilities. The recruitment drive encompasses roles such as electrical and mechanical engineering, legal and commercial support, welding, nursing, and customer service alongside entry-level opportunities for shift manufacturing operators.

The government’s intervention in British Steel followed rising concerns that the Chinese owners, Jingye, intended to let operations at the plant wind down. The move to rescue the company has been pivotal in safeguarding approximately 2,700 steelworker jobs and ensuring the continuation of primary steel production in the UK. Operations at the Scunthorpe plant had faced imminent danger, amid fears that the furnaces could go cold, potentially marking the end of an era for British steelmaking.

Allan Bell, interim chief executive of British Steel, stated, “With the backing of the UK government, we are focused on cementing British Steel as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of steel. These new roles present exciting career opportunities and are critical to building a robust future for both our business and the national economy.”

The government’s prompt intervention also resulted in the vital shipment of over 55,000 tonnes of coking coal from Australia to feed Scunthorpe’s two iconic blast furnaces, Queen Anne and Queen Bess. Union officials had long called for additional recruitment to reduce dependence on overtime and address labour shortages in key areas. Alun Davies, national secretary for steel at the Community union, expressed optimism, calling the hiring drive a significant step towards addressing longstanding workforce issues.

British Steel is set to host a recruitment open day on Saturday 17 May at its conference centre in Scunthorpe. Visitors will have the chance to engage with the company and explore the wide variety of career opportunities on offer. The government and the firm remain committed to devising long-term plans for sustainable production at the site, with future advancements expected to involve transitioning to cleaner electric arc furnace technology.

The hiring initiative demonstrates British Steel’s focus on growth and innovation after periods of uncertainty and marks a turning point for one of the UK’s most iconic industrial brands.