INDUSTRIAL giant Tata Steel is planning to sell its Long Products division, which employs thousands of workers at several UK sites – including York.

The firm said it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Klesch Group, which operates across Europe.

The planned sale covers several UK-based sites including its head office and a rail consultancy in York, Tata Steel’s Scunthorpe steelworks, mills in Teesside, Dalzell and Clydebridge in Scotland, an engineering workshop in Workington and other operations in France and Germany.

About 6,500 people are employed at Long Products Europe and its distribution facilities, supplying products for industries including construction and excavation.

Unions said they were disappointed with the way the announcement had been handled and were seeking talks to discuss any impact on jobs.

Karl Koehler, chief executive of Tata’s European operations, said: “We will move into detailed negotiations, though no assurance can be given. We will consult with union representatives.”