Steel at the heart of Scunthorpe: Campaigning against the closure

A determined local community rallies to save Scunthorpe’s steelworks from closure, highlighting the industry’s legacy, local livelihoods, and national importance.

Backbone of British Steel

Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire has been home to steelmaking since the late 19th century. The town’s steelworks have shaped not only the local landscape but also its people, culture, and economy. The plant, currently operated by British Steel, has employed thousands of residents over the decades and remains one of the largest steel manufacturing facilities in the UK.

Known for producing high-quality long steel products used in railways, construction, and engineering, the Scunthorpe plant has long been a symbolic backbone of British industrial strength. The steelworks' output has supported everything from national infrastructure projects to exports across Europe and beyond. For Scunthorpe, the plant is not just a factory — it’s part of the town’s DNA.

A threat to livelihoods and legacy

In recent months, British Steel’s owners, the Chinese firm Jingye Group, have indicated plans to shut down the blast furnaces at the Scunthorpe site and transition to electric arc furnace technology at a smaller scale, or potentially close operations altogether. This move could put over 2,000 direct jobs at risk, with the total economic impact estimated to threaten as many as 10,000 jobs regionally when considering suppliers and local businesses.

These potential losses represent a massive blow to an area already grappling with economic challenges. Scunthorpe’s steelworkers are skilled tradespeople, many of whom have dedicated decades to the job. Their families, local schools, healthcare providers, and town centre businesses all rely on the economic stability that the steelworks has historically provided.

Campaigners argue that shutting the plant would not only devastate the local economy but also erode a crucial part of the UK's industrial capability — at a time when global supply chain uncertainty and the push for green infrastructure underscore the need for strong domestic production.

Voices rising in protest and hope

In response to the threat, unions, local leaders, and residents have mounted a coordinated and passionate campaign to save the Scunthorpe steelworks. Public rallies have drawn large crowds, with workers, families, and community members standing shoulder to shoulder demanding action. One protest in early 2025 saw thousands march through the town, carrying banners reading, 'Save Our Steel' and 'No Jobs, No Town.'

Unite the Union, GMB, and Community — the three major unions representing steelworkers—have been vocal in their criticism of the government’s perceived inaction and the owner’s failure to invest adequately in the site. They’re calling for a strategic partnership between government and industry to fund modern, low-carbon steel production and safeguard jobs.

Local MP Holly Mumby-Croft has been an outspoken advocate for the workers, repeatedly urging ministers to support a just transition plan. Town councillors and regional mayors have also weighed in, emphasizing the broader importance of maintaining steel capacity for national infrastructure, defence, and energy projects.

Campaign proposals and the fight for a green future

Rather than resisting change, campaigners are embracing the opportunity for a greener future. They’re pushing for investment in electric arc furnaces and hydrogen-based steelmaking — technologies that significantly reduce carbon emissions while preserving jobs and skills. Proposals include retraining support for workers, infrastructure investment, and a phased transition plan that avoids the shock of mass redundancies.

This vision aligns with the UK’s broader net-zero goals and ensures Britain maintains sovereign capability in a sector considered vital for economic resilience and national security. Unions have urged the government to treat steel as a strategic asset and follow the example of countries like Germany and the United States, where public investment has supported green steel transitions.

Looking ahead with resilience

Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: Scunthorpe is not giving up. The town’s steelworkers have endured decades of restructuring, ownership changes, and economic turbulence—but they remain fiercely proud and committed to their trade. Their fight isn’t just for jobs; it’s for dignity, for heritage, and for the right to a future.

The coming months will be crucial as negotiations continue between British Steel, the unions, and the UK government. Whether through protest, public pressure, or political engagement, the people of Scunthorpe are making their voices heard. Their campaign is not just a plea to preserve the past — it’s a powerful call to forge a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable industrial future.

Image(s) from BBC