Calls for British Steel to stay together as Network Rail shows interest

There have been calls for British Steel to remain intact as Network Rail show interest in buying its railway divisions.

Yesterday the rail firm indicated that it may bid on the welding, finishing and storing of the steel giant’s rails, one of 10 offers received for all or part of the struggling business.

Steve Turner, manufacturing officer at the Unite union commented: “We want to see it absolutely taken over as one unit, this is an integrated business.”

Interested parties were initially given a deadline of Sunday (June 30) to bid on British Steel, which was placed in compulsory liquidation in May, but it now seems that the receiver may continue to accept further potential offers.

Gareth Stace, director general of trade body UK Steel explained “The Official Receiver has extended the deadline for further bids this week, that is what we understand.

He added: “If there is a bit of a delay, I’d see that as a positive.”