Around 1,700 jobs are to be lost in north-east England with the closure of SSI's iron and steelmaking plant in Redcar.

SSI UK have announced that the plant will be "mothballed" due to ongoing issues with the supply of raw materials and services.

Production at the South Bank Coke Ovens is to be "paused", with a view to retaining it "in a condition whereby it can be brought back into production at an appropriate point".

Redcar Coke Ovens and the Power Station will continue to operate at a reduced level.

Business Director and Chief Operating Officer at SSI UK, Cornelius Louwrens, said: "It is with great regret that we have had to make this announcement and we are deeply aware of the concern it will give to our employees and their families.

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"The problems within the global steel industry have been well publicised in recent weeks and our decision follows a major deterioration in steel prices affecting our business during the course of this year. Our parent company and other stakeholders have given great support to the business, and the decision to pause our iron and steel production has been taken reluctantly and in a scenario where no other practical options are available at present.

"We are taking this pause in production in order to re-evaluate and assess the situation following the outcome of ongoing discussions with our various stakeholders, including Government and suppliers.

"Discussions will be held as soon as possible with our trade unions and employee representatives to clarify the effect the production pause will have on our employees."

(MH/CD)