Unimetals Group could shut down, 650 jobs in danger

Business Nov 24, 2025

Unimetals Group, a big name in UK metal recycling, might be forced to close as soon as Tuesday after failing to find a buyer.
This puts 650 jobs on the line right before Christmas and raises concerns about Britain's steel supply chain.

What went wrong and what's next

Unimetals ran into money trouble after buying Sims Metals for £195 million last year and missing a payment.
Hopes for new funding fell through when an investor backed out recently.
Now, advisors are talking with major steel companies to try and save the business.
With 27 sites across the UK handling metallic waste, Unimetals plays a key role in keeping raw materials moving at home and abroad.