In collaboration with Ceramics UK and UK Steel, the Fairer Energy Future campaign’s energy-intensive industry supporters, GMB Union has called on the Government to rule out zonal pricing and back a reformed national market programme that will support industry investment and ensure access to secure, competitive, low-carbon energy.

Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, National Officer, GMB Manufacturing Section said:

“New leadership from this Government is making great strides to protect our steel industry – but disjointed thinking across departments puts this ambition at risk.

 If ministers work in silos vital UK manufacturing jobs will suffer. Over recent years GMB has been clear – energy costs are a huge pressure on manufacturing.

 Zonal pricing could worsen this, with increased costs for energy intensive manufacturing at sites such as Scunthorpe’s steelworks and Stoke’s potteries. 

We want to work with fellow unions, energy intensive industries and Government to deliver a workable solution that protects good jobs and creates growth.”