Tata: Steel unions are meeting bosses for talks over the future of the company

There have been fears of heavy job losses, especially at the plant in Port Talbot. Credit: PA

Unions representing steelworkers will meet the bosses of Tata in London today for talks about the future of the company.

There have been fears of heavy job losses, especially at the plant in Port Talbot, under moves to a greener form of steelmaking to cut emissions and stem financial losses.

Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB national officer, said unions had produced a “well thought-out and researched” alternative proposal aimed at saving jobs.

Unions will meet Tata for talks about the future of the company. Credit: ITV Wales

She said: “Our position remains any compulsory job losses are wholly avoidable and the people of South Wales, as well as the industry as a whole, deserve the support and consideration that our plan outlines.”

Jonathan Reynolds, shadow business and trade secretary, said: “The Conservative Government has pushed a plan that uses millions of taxpayers’ money only to make thousands of people redundant and leave us unable to produce primary steel in the UK.

“What the Government offered was never a serious plan for the long term for our steel industry. It is yet another sticking plaster from a Government living crisis to crisis unable to take a long-term view.

“Labour knows that the British steel industry can have a bright future and we have a cast-iron commitment to the steel industry.

“We have earmarked up to £3 billion for investment in green steel alongside industry, working with steel communities to ensure the transition to green steel comes with jobs.

“While the Conservatives scramble around for last-minute deals, Labour will make long-term investments through our industrial strategy to protect British jobs, safeguard our national capabilities and create jobs rather than throw British steelworkers on the scrapheap.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We have a clear strategy to boost UK’s steel industry and create highly skilled jobs for the future right across the country. Nowhere is this more apparent than the recent Tata Steel announcement to transform steel making in South Wales, which is expected to save at least 5,000 jobs.   

“We have provided £730 million in energy costs relief to the steel sector since 2013, in addition to support through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. Industrial sectors, including steel, can also bid for Government funds worth hundreds of millions of pounds to support energy efficiency and decarbonisation.”

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...