Plans have reportedly been brought forward by British Steel to close blast furnaces at its Scunthorpe site, placing 2,500 jobs at risk this year.
According to The Independent, coke and coal will stop being imported to the site in October, meaning the blast furnaces will be permanently shut off earlier than expected.
“That means at least 2,500 jobs lost before the end of the year,” a source said.
Previous proposals had been for the facilities to remain open while the plant transitioned to using electric arc furnaces.
GMB National officer Charlotte Brumpton-Childs commented: “Unions have been assured throughout the process that the blast furnace operations would continue throughout the construction of an Electric Arc Furnace.
“There has been no consultation over an early closure.
“British Steel and the Government must engage with workers immediately to safeguard jobs and livelihoods.”