It is reported that fewer steelworkers are to lose jobs at Corus's South Yorkshire plants following an upturn in orders. Corus said it has been able to save 165 of the 1,532 jobs it was planning to cut this year at its Rotherham and Stocksbridge sites.

The change of heart means Corus will now employ around 1,570 people at its four main South Yorkshire sites, including 100 people at its Brinsworth Strip Mill and 300 at its Swinden Laboratories research centre.

Mr Peter Hogg GM of the engineering steels business said that the decision followed better than anticipated demand for some of the sites' products. He added that "Demand is still very low in some of our markets and we don't think we'll see a return to the 2007-08 industrial levels for some time to come. But we have seen a modest recovery in some of the sectors we supply, in particular the automotive industry and general manufacturing, and we need to capitalise on that."

He added that "We've had to make some difficult and painful decisions this year in order to survive the worst recession in living memory, but the changes we are announcing today are an indication that more positive trading conditions are emerging in some of our markets."

Corus said that its decision also follows close collaboration between the company and the unions to create a more flexible workforce, which can respond more quickly to the changing needs of the business.

(Sourced from www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk)