Sajid Javid: Tata will act responsibly over Port Talbot sale

Sajid Javid has reassured steelworkers at Port Talbot that Tata Steel will allow a “reasonable amount of time” for the sale of its UK assets to be completed.

The business secretary visited the steelworks plant hours after returning to the UK from a meeting with Tata officials in Mumbai to press for time over the sale.

Javid told managers and union representatives that the Government is open to working with any prospective buyer, and revealed that a number of people have already started coming forward.

"I would like to see many more come forward when the formal process begins," he said.

Alan Coombs, president of the Community union, said he was optimistic after Javid’s visit.

Liberty House is the only company that has publicly expressed its interest in Tata’s steel plants.

Sanjeev Gupta, head of the steel company, said: "We have had very good interaction with the Government and unions, but we now need a proper analysis, and work out many details.”

Gupta said he believes jobs can be saved. He maintained however, that workers would have to be retrained if the plant is sold.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “The First Minister of Wales met with Sanjeev Gupta of Liberty House Group this afternoon to discuss ways in which Government could support any future purchaser of Tata's steel-making operations in Wales.

"It was a useful meeting, and the first minister reiterated his commitment to work closely with Mr Gupta and his team. They will keep in regular contact as discussions progress.”