Government Establishes Steel Council to Address Industry Challenges and Job Losses

The UK government has unveiled a new Steel Council, bringing together sector leaders, industry experts, trade unions, trade associations, and devolved governments to secure the future of the nation’s steel industry.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will lead the council's inaugural meeting today alongside co-chair Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute. This newly formed advisory body is tasked with revitalizing the steel sector, ensuring it remains competitive, sustainable, and aligned with the UK's broader economic and industrial goals.

The council will play a pivotal role in developing the UK’s upcoming Steel Strategy, which is set to launch this spring. This blueprint will directly link industry, workers, and policymakers, ensuring that workforce security, industrial modernization, and economic growth remain central to the UK’s steel revival efforts.

By fostering collaboration across all levels of the industry, the Steel Council aims to rebuild a resilient, future-proofed steel sector that drives both domestic production and global competitiveness.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The industry and steel communities have had enough of lurching from crisis to crisis – this government will take the action needed to place steel on a secure footing for the long term. With the launch of the Steel Council, we’re placing workers and local communities at the heart of our plans as we bring forward up to £2.5bn of investment to secure growth right across the country.

“Steel was a neglected industry in this country under the previous government, but with the launch of this council and our upcoming strategy, we’re proving once again that we are the government that’s committed to driving growth and innovation in the sector.

“A vibrant steel sector is crucial for economic growth and our national security, and by reflecting views from industry across the UK as we bring forward our Steel Strategy, we’re delivering on the Plan for Change and boosting economic stability.”

Commenting on the announcement, Julia Pyke, joint-managing director at Sizewell C, said: “Sizewell C welcomes the Government’s new steel strategy and the creation of the Steel Council, which will provide a vital boost to British industry.

“We are a proud signatory of the UK Steel Charter and remain committed to maximising UK steel throughout our construction plans, including a £700 million steel pipeline over the next decade. Supporting strategic industries like British steel is vital for protecting jobs, strengthening communities, and ensuring the resilience of the UK economy.

“The launch of the Steel Council marks an important step in safeguarding the future of British manufacturing and the UK supply chain for major national infrastructure projects.”