State steps in to run Speciality Steel UK plants in South Yorkshire in bid to protect 1,450 jobs

The government has taken control of the UK’s third-largest steelworks as ministers try to protect 1,450 jobs at Liberty Steel in South Yorkshire after the company collapsed into administration.

The high court in London said on Thursday that Speciality Steel UK (SSUK), which has plants in Rotherham and Stocksbridge, would be put into administration. The company was then placed under the control of special managers appointed by the government’s official receiver.