The UK Government has published new procurement guidelines for departments to apply on major projects in a bid to support UK steel suppliers.

The 'Procurement Policy Note: Procuring steel in major projects' aim to help suppliers compete on a 'level playing field' with international suppliers for government contracts.

It applies to any infrastructure, construction or other major procurement project with a 'significant' steel component, where the overall project requirement has a capital value of £10m or above.

The guidelines have been spearheaded by the Steel Procurement Working Group.

They encourage departments to assess the carbon footprint of bids so that UK steel firms can compete.

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In addition, departments will be encouraged to consider the social impacts of competing suppliers, such as the impact on jobs, protecting the health and safety of staff, the social integration of disadvantaged workers along with placing a responsibility on firms to upskill the workforce.

It is hope that this will improve visibility for opportunities on major projects such as HS2 and Network Rail, allowing UK steel suppliers to bid for contracts.

Matthew Hancock, Paymaster General and Chair of the Working Group, said: "By asking procurers on major UK projects to consider social and environmental impacts, we are building a Britain that is happier, healthier and better off.

"We will always strive to get the best value for money for taxpayers and we are going to do so in a way that strengthens our economy and bolsters the long-term prosperity of people across the country.

"I don't want contracts going abroad if the best bid is a British bid with all the social and economic benefits that brings."

To view the guidelines, click here.

(LM/CD)