I have been sent this poem by a local steelworker. Fitting words as the Tata board meet and discuss the future of the plant in India today.

STEEL

750 jobs are to be lost from our proud steel works

For the unfortunate few no more holidays or family perks

They say it’s down to Chinese mass production

But I’m sure our government is overcome with seduction

Politicians keep saying they hear our plight

Somehow I don’t see them up for the fight

Help we need today not tomorrow

Before we all end up in a large pool of sorrow

Action we need before our industry goes

Not let us get steam rolled by one of our old foes

Give us a chance on a level playing field

Then I’m sure we can compete and achieve our yield

Lots will suffer from these losses with pain

As thousands of jobs are in this supply chain

So when people ask how does the workforce feel

The reply is just honest we were born to make steel