In the News Teaching Activity – 6000 jobs lost in oil & steel industries (Sept 2024)

Trade unions are hoping the government will invest to limit job losses in oil and steel.

The UK government is bracing for major job cuts in September, with up to 6,000 positions at risk in the steel and oil refining sectors. Major losses are expected at Tata’s Port Talbot, British Steel in Scunthorpe, and Scotland’s Grangemouth refinery. Unions had hoped for Labour-led investment to mitigate the cuts, but the government is focused on green steel initiatives, refusing to subsidise loss-making, carbon-heavy operations. Workers face redundancy, but re-training packages offer some support. The situation is described as "grim."

'Grim' September ahead with 6,000 steel and oil jobs set to go - BBC News

1 What type of unemployment is this loss of jobs in oil and steel?

2 Explain the role of trade unions in this case.

3 Discuss the arguments for and against the government investing in the oil and steel industries in the UK.