It is reported that the devastating prospect of job losses facing staff at Corus steel works in Redcar has been softened with news that 120 jobs have been saved.

A last minute deal has been struck to protect the jobs in the South Bank coke works for three years. This afternoon, union bosses brokered the deal with the company to supply coke to other steel plants in the region and across the country.

It said “Corus confirmed its intention to continue operating South Bank Coke Ovens, a TCP mill, following the improvement in market conditions for coke. As a result of this decision about 120 additional jobs will be retained.”

The release added that “With a view to securing a positive future for TCP, Corus agreed to consider a Trade Union proposal to extend TCP's operating program and postpone the partial mothballing to the end of February.”

The statement further said that this extension of the operating period would not affect timescales associated with the ongoing HR process.

The news has been welcomed by Mr Geoff Waterfield, the chairman of the Multi-Union Works Committee. He said "This is great news for the families of the people who work in the coke works. The deal should keep them in work for at least three years and hopefully shows the plant has a future."

(Sourced from www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)