Caparo in crisis: Black Country MP angry at government inaction
A Black Country MP has accused the government of being "asleep at the wheel" following the announcement steel giant Caparo is to shut three plants in the region.
Administrators from PwC confirmed last week 323 jobs have gone at five sites in Darlaston, Oldbury, Dudley, West Bromwich and Cradley Heath, leaving workers devastated.
Caparo Atlas Fastenings in Heath Road, Darlaston was worst hit with 122 workers made redundant.
The Darlaston, Dudley and West Bromwich sites were closed with immediate effect on Friday.
Emma Reynolds, MP for Wolverhampton North East, said: "1,700 jobs are at risk at Caparo Industries across the UK.
"It is regrettable that this Tory government has been asleep at the wheel.
"The government has failed to take immediate action to alleviate the crisis and support our steel industry.
"A major cause of this crisis is that the world steel market has been flooded by cheap Chinese steel in a practice known as 'dumping'.
"The UK government should work with the EU to back anti-dumping measures.
"The steel industry is a strategic asset for the UK. It has been a cornerstone of industrial life in the Black Country and without decisive action it could be lost for good."
The Caparo group owns Caparo Tube Components and Clydesdale Jones in Neachells Lane, Willenhall.
