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This is a new rebound in the soap opera Ascoval, folder become politically sensitive. While the steel plant in the north of France is to be resumed on Wednesday by a British steel group, a last minute doubt has interfered. The buyer British Steel would have serious financial difficulties. A new source of anxiety for employees exhausted by years of uncertainty.
Scalded cat fears cold water, says the saying that fits perfectly with the feelings of Ascoval's employees. Years they were waiting for a buyer. The Franco-Belgian group Altifort, a tense time, had slipped through their fingers in February.
When two weeks ago, the Commercial Court validated the British Steel application, workers at the Saint-Saulve factory were saying in a small cloud. Some trade unionists were more cautious. Maybe they were right. In trouble, especially because of Brexit, the number 2 in the UK steel industry says seek financial support. The Sky News channel even mentions a risk of impending bankruptcy. Thousands of jobs would be at stake.
British Steel is confirming talks with the British government, but they would have no impact on the willingness to take over Ascoval and meet the commitments without further delay.
It is also the wish of the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire who was personally involved. Bercy confirms the project of recovery and the part of the State in the financing of this operation with high political content.