British Steel 'plans at present' to pay workers as normal in May

CEO Gerald Reichmann urges workforce not to be 'distracted' by talks over firm's future

British Steel has told its 4,500 employees that "at present" it plans to pay them at the end of the month, as talks between its owners, lenders and the government continue over a 75m bailout package.

The company, which has been charged 20m in loan interest and fees by its private equity owner, Greybull Capital, says it needs the government to contribute to a rescue deal to prop up its finances, blaming Brexit-related issues.