SSI UK today announced that iron and steelmaking operations at its plant on Teesside will be “paused”.
The stricken firm has said it has taken the decision due to “ongoing issues” with the supply of raw materials and services.
The announcement comes as the Redcar blast furnace owner, which employs 2,000 people, battles for survival.
Staff are being briefed today and the bulk of the workforce will remain in place until at least Monday.
The firm said preparations are being made to systematically reduce the production during the course of today, with a view to retaining the plant in a condition whereby it can be brought back into production in the future.
Redcar Coke Ovens and the Power Station will continue to operate at a reduced level.
Production at South Bank Coke Ovens will cease and the plant mothballed