Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1"><num>1</num><heading>Meaning of “steel undertaking”</heading><content>In this Act, “<term refersTo="#term-steel-undertaking" eId="term-steel-undertaking">steel undertaking</term>” means an undertaking carrying on a

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2"><num>2</num><heading>Directions about use of assets</heading><subsection eId="section-2-1"><num>(1)</num><intro>The Secretary of State may give a notice under <ref href="#section-2">this section</ref> to a steel und

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-1"><num>(1)</num><intro>The Secretary of State may give a notice under <ref href="#section-2">this section</ref> to a steel undertaking if—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-1-a"><num>(a)</num><conten

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-1-a"><num>(a)</num><content>it appears to the Secretary of State that specified assets used by the undertaking in England have ceased to be used, or are at risk of ceasing to be used, by the undertaking (

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-1-b"><num>(b)</num><content>the Secretary of State considers that it is in the public interest that the use of the specified assets should resume or (as the case may be) continue.</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-2"><num>(2)</num><intro>Where a notice is given to a steel undertaking under <ref href="#section-2">this section</ref>—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content>the undertaking

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content>the undertaking, and</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-2-b"><num>(b)</num><content>relevant persons in relation to the undertaking,</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-3"><num>(3)</num><content>Directions under <ref href="#section-2">this section</ref> may only be given for the purpose of securing the continued and safe use of the specified assets.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-4"><num>(4)</num><intro>The directions may (in particular) require—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content>the specified assets to be used (or not to be used) in a specified

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content>the specified assets to be used (or not to be used) in a specified way;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content>the steel undertaking to take (or not to take) specified steps to secure the continued and safe use of the specified assets.</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-5"><num>(5)</num><intro>The steps that may be required to be taken under <ref href="#section-2-4">subsection (4)</ref><ref href="#section-2-4-b">(b)</ref> include (for example)—</intro><level class="para1" eId

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-5-a"><num>(a)</num><content>entering into agreements, including contracts of employment;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-5-b"><num>(b)</num><content>appointing officers of the steel undertaking;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-5-c"><num>(c)</num><content>exercising a function of management in a particular way;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-5-d"><num>(d)</num><content>refraining from the taking of proceedings in relation to the steel undertaking under the <ref eId="c00001" href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/45">Insolvency Act 19

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-5-e"><num>(e)</num><content>the making of payments to specified persons;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-5-f"><num>(f)</num><content>the provision of information to the Secretary of State.</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-6"><num>(6)</num><content>A requirement to provide information as mentioned in <ref href="#section-2-5">subsection (5)</ref><ref href="#section-2-5-f">(f)</ref> does not authorise or require a disclosure of inform

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-7"><num>(7)</num><intro>A notice or direction under <ref href="#section-2">this section</ref>—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2-7-a"><num>(a)</num><content>must be given in writing;</content><

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-7-a"><num>(a)</num><content>must be given in writing;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-7-b"><num>(b)</num><content>may be varied or revoked by the giving of a further such notice or direction.</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-8"><num>(8)</num><intro>In this Act, “<term refersTo="#term-relevant-person" eId="term-relevant-person">relevant person</term>”, in relation to an undertaking, means—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-2

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-8-a"><num>(a)</num><content>where the undertaking is a body corporate other than one whose affairs are managed by its members, a director, shadow director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of t

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-8-b"><num>(b)</num><content>where the undertaking is a limited liability partnership or other body corporate whose affairs are managed by its members, a member who exercises functions of management with r

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-8-c"><num>(c)</num><content>where the undertaking is a limited partnership, a general partner (within the meaning given by <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Edw7/7/24/section/3">section 3</a>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-8-d"><num>(d)</num><content>where the undertaking is any other partnership, a partner;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-2-8-e"><num>(e)</num><content>where the undertaking is any other kind of body, a person who exercises functions of management with respect to it.</content></level>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-3"><num>3</num><heading>Breach of directions: power to take control of assets</heading><subsection eId="section-3-1"><num>(1)</num><intro><ref href="#section-3">This section</ref> applies if the Secretary of State cons

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-3-1"><num>(1)</num><intro><ref href="#section-3">This section</ref> applies if the Secretary of State considers that—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-3-1-a"><num>(a)</num><content>a steel undertaking

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-1-a"><num>(a)</num><content>a steel undertaking, or a relevant person in relation to that undertaking, has failed or is failing to comply (wholly or in part) with a direction given under <ref href="#secti

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-1-b"><num>(b)</num><intro>there is a risk that—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-3-1-b-i"><num>(i)</num><content>the undertaking or person might so fail, or</content></level><level clas

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para2" eId="section-3-1-b-i"><num>(i)</num><content>the undertaking or person might so fail, or</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para2" eId="section-3-1-b-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>the purposes for which the direction under <ref href="#section-2">that section</ref> was given will be frustrated (to any extent by any person).</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-3-2"><num>(2)</num><content>The Secretary of State may do anything for the purpose of securing the continued and safe use of the specified assets that the steel undertaking, or any relevant person in relation to tha

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-3-3"><num>(3)</num><content>Anything done by virtue of <ref href="#section-3-2">subsection (2)</ref> is to be treated for all purposes as done by the steel undertaking (unless otherwise specified in writing by the S

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-3-4"><num>(4)</num><intro>The powers exercisable by the Secretary of State by virtue of <ref href="#section-3-2">subsection (2)</ref> include (for example)—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-3-4-a"><num>(

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-4-a"><num>(a)</num><content>entering, using force if necessary, the premises where the specified assets are situated (and the Secretary of State may for that purpose be accompanied by any person);</co

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-4-b"><num>(b)</num><content>preventing the disposal of, or other dealings in respect of, the specified assets;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-4-c"><num>(c)</num><content>taking whatever steps the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the purposes of securing the continued and safe use of the specified assets;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-4-d"><num>(d)</num><content>requiring any person on the premises, or any other person who has dealings with the specified assets or with the steel undertaking, to give whatever assistance the Secretary of

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-3-5"><num>(5)</num><intro>The steps that may be taken under <ref href="#section-3-4">subsection (4)</ref><ref href="#section-3-4-c">(c)</ref> include (for example)—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-3-5-a

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-5-a"><num>(a)</num><content>entering into agreements, including contracts of employment;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-5-b"><num>(b)</num><content>appointing officers of the steel undertaking;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-5-c"><num>(c)</num><content>exercising any function of management;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-5-d"><num>(d)</num><content>the making of loans or the giving of other financial assistance;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-5-e"><num>(e)</num><content>the payment of salaries and other benefits to persons working for the steel undertaking.</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-3-6"><num>(6)</num><intro>Expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in, or in connection with, the exercise of powers under <ref href="#section-3">this section</ref> are recoverable as a debt due to the Crown from

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-6-a"><num>(a)</num><content>the steel undertaking, or</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-3-6-b"><num>(b)</num><content>a group undertaking in relation to the steel undertaking.</content></level>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4"><num>4</num><heading>Offences</heading><subsection eId="section-4-1"><num>(1)</num><content>A steel undertaking, or a relevant person in relation to such an undertaking, commits an offence if, without reasonable exc

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-1"><num>(1)</num><content>A steel undertaking, or a relevant person in relation to such an undertaking, commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, they fail to comply with a direction under <ref href="#sect

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-2"><num>(2)</num><content>A group undertaking in relation to the steel undertaking commits an offence if it does (or fails to do) anything with the intention of preventing or hindering the steel undertaking, or a

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-3"><num>(3)</num><content>A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, they fail to comply with a requirement imposed on them under <ref href="#section-3">section 3</ref><ref href="#section-3-4">(4)<

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-4"><num>(4)</num><content>Where an offence under <ref href="#section-4">this section</ref> is committed by an undertaking with the consent or connivance of a relevant person in relation to the undertaking, or a pe

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-5"><num>(5)</num><intro>A person guilty of an offence under <ref href="#section-4">this section</ref> is liable—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-4-5-a"><num>(a)</num><content>on conviction on indic

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-4-5-a"><num>(a)</num><content>on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine (or both);</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-4-5-b"><num>(b)</num><content>on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine (or both).</content></level>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-5"><num>5</num><heading>Injunctions</heading><subsection eId="section-5-1"><num>(1)</num><intro>This section applies where the Secretary of State considers that—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-5-1-a"><num

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-5-1"><num>(1)</num><intro>This section applies where the Secretary of State considers that—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-5-1-a"><num>(a)</num><content>a steel undertaking, or a relevant person in

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-5-1-a"><num>(a)</num><content>a steel undertaking, or a relevant person in relation to that undertaking, has committed, or might commit, an offence under section <ref href="#section-4">4</ref>, or</cont

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-5-1-b"><num>(b)</num><content>a group undertaking in relation to the steel undertaking has committed, or might commit, an offence under that section.</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-5-2"><num>(2)</num><intro>The Secretary of State may apply to the High Court for an injunction (and in those proceedings may apply for an interim injunction) against—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-5-2

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-5-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content>the undertaking concerned, or</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-5-2-b"><num>(b)</num><content>a relevant person in relation to that undertaking.</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-5-3"><num>(3)</num><content>On an application under this section the High Court may grant an injunction (or interim injunction) on such terms as it thinks fit to secure the continued and safe operation of the specif

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-6"><num>6</num><heading>Indemnities</heading><subsection eId="section-6-1"><num>(1)</num><content>No relevant act by a person is to be regarded as giving rise to any cause of action, or is to be taken into account in r

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-6-1"><num>(1)</num><content>No relevant act by a person is to be regarded as giving rise to any cause of action, or is to be taken into account in respect of any cause of action, against the person.</content></s

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-6-2"><num>(2)</num><intro>The Secretary of State may pay compensation to any person in respect of any loss incurred by them as a result of—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-6-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-6-2-a"><num>(a)</num><content>a relevant act (whether by them or any other person), or</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-6-2-b"><num>(b)</num><content>a step taken by the Secretary of State under <ref href="#section-3">section 3</ref><ref href="#section-3-4">(4)</ref><ref href="#section-3-4-c">(c)</ref>.</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-6-3"><num>(3)</num><intro>In this section “<term refersTo="#term-relevant-act" eId="term-relevant-act">relevant act</term>” means anything done, or not done, in compliance with—</intro><level class="para1" eId="

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-6-3-a"><num>(a)</num><content>a direction under <ref href="#section-2">section 2</ref>, or</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-6-3-b"><num>(b)</num><content>a requirement under <ref href="#section-3">section 3</ref><ref href="#section-3-4">(4)</ref><ref href="#section-3-4-d">(d)</ref>.</content></level>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-7"><num>7</num><heading>Compensation scheme</heading><subsection eId="section-7-1"><num>(1)</num><content>The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for paying compensation to a steel undertaking to which

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-7-1"><num>(1)</num><content>The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for paying compensation to a steel undertaking to which a notice has been given under <ref href="#section-2">section 2</ref> as a

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-7-2"><num>(2)</num><content>Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-7-3"><num>(3)</num><content>A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.</content></subsection>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-8"><num>8</num><heading>Financial provision</heading><intro>There is to be paid out of money provided by Parliament—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-8-a"><num>(a)</num><content>any expenses incurred by

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-8-a"><num>(a)</num><content>any expenses incurred by the Secretary of State under or by virtue of this Act, and</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-8-b"><num>(b)</num><content>any increase attributable to this Act in the sums payable under any other Act out of money so provided.</content></level>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-9"><num>9</num><heading>Interpretation</heading><intro>In this Act—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-group-undertaking" eId="term-group-undertaking">group undertaking</term>”

<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-group-undertaking" eId="term-group-undertaking">group undertaking</term>” has the meaning given by section 1161(5) of the Companies Act 2006;</content></hcontainer>

<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-relevant-person" eId="term-relevant-person">relevant person</term>”, in relation to an undertaking, has the meaning given by <ref href="#section-2">section 2</ref><ref href="#sec

<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-shadow-director" eId="term-shadow-director">shadow director</term>” has the meaning given by section 251 of the Companies Act 2006;</content></hcontainer>

<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-specified-assets" eId="term-specified-assets">specified assets</term>”, in relation to a notice given under <ref href="#section-2">section 2</ref>, means the assets specified in

<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-undertaking" eId="term-undertaking">undertaking</term>” has the meaning given by section 1161(1) of the Companies Act 2006.</content></hcontainer>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-10"><num>10</num><heading>Extent, commencement and short title</heading><subsection eId="section-10-1"><num>(1)</num><content>This Act extends to England and Wales only.</content></subsection><subsection eId="secti

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-10-1"><num>(1)</num><content>This Act extends to England and Wales only.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-10-2"><num>(2)</num><content>This Act comes into force on the day on which it is passed.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-10-3"><num>(3)</num><content>This Act may be cited as the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025.</content></subsection>