Unions have reacted with anger to the news that Tata Steel is in discussions to sell its European long product division centred in Scunthorpe, UK.

In a joint statement the Community, Unite and GMB union said they were opposing the sale at this stage and would call on the government to intervene to ensure a future for the assets.

They expressed disappointment over the fact that they had only been made aware of the plan two days before.

“The unions have been treated with contempt in this process as the level of consultation we would expect ahead of such a major strategic announcement has not taken place.”

Unions are set to meet next week to decide their next potential steps. “The fact that Tata Steel wants to abandon half of its European operations and pull out of an entire strategic market does not bode well for the future and ends Tata Steel’s vision to be a global steel player,” they added.

CEO of Tata Steel’s European operations Karl Kohler said the long process of consulting with stakeholders including employees and unions was only just beginning. “Before that point I wouldn’t see what there would be to consult about.”

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