Up to 400 jobs are at risk at British Steel, it has been announced.

The company revealed the proposed reduction of managerial, professional and administrative roles will take place at its operations throughout the UK, Ireland, France and the Netherlands due to its ongoing streamlining process.

Roland Junck, British Steel's Executive Chairman, said: "Following our launch and early growth as a new company, it's important our business continues to evolve. It's imperative we enhance our products and services and become more competitive so we can increase our foothold in the market.

"We've already committed £120 million to capital expenditure projects and are pressing ahead with the £50 million upgrade to our Scunthorpe Rod Mill, which we announced in July. However, the pace of change we need in this challenging industry requires further and continued investment along with more agile and efficient operations.

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"To help us achieve this, we have to make difficult decisions and our plans unfortunately include the proposed reduction of 400 roles across our global workforce."

In response, a spokesperson for the National Trade Union Steel Coordinating Committee said: "This announcement will come as a body blow to the workforce who have already made huge sacrifices to make the business sustainable.

"We recognise these are challenging times for UK steelmakers, and it's high time the government stepped up and delivered for us by supporting investment in strategic steel assets.

"However it is particularly disappointing the company has chosen to cut jobs so soon after celebrating a second successful year and first quarter profits of £21 million.

"The company must now comply with its European and UK consultation obligations and present the detail behind the proposals to employee representatives.

"Throughout the consultation process the trade unions will challenge every job reduction and seek to mitigate the impact of the company's proposals on our members."

(LM/MH)