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400 jobs to go at Tata's Port Talbot steelworks

Tata Steel has confirmed that 400 jobs are to go at its Port Talbot steelworks.

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Community Union: Job losses are 'not a surprise'

400 jobs are to go at the steel site in Port Talbot

Alan Coombs, Chair of the Multi Unions committee at Tata Steel Port Talbot says it's clear the steel industry is suffering following the announcement that 400 jobs will be lost at the site.

He said:

"We need the help and we need the support now. The steel industry is suffering particularly bad and we do need the help now not in two or three years time."

Mr Coombs added:

"We understand the business has got to move forward but we've got to be in a place where we can compete and we can do it safely."

"There's going to be a strain on the workforce left behind and that's also a concern."

He said the Unions will be challenging the number of job losses.

Assurances on Tata future despite redundancies says Welsh Secretary

Welsh Secretary David Jones says he too has been in contact with Tata about the job losses. He says the company remains committed to the future of the Welsh steel industry.

It is very disappointing to hear that Tata Steel has had to make the decision to reduce its operational workforce at its Port Talbot site and my immediate concerns are with those employees and their families who may be potentially affected by redundancies.

Tata Steel has assured me that it is undertaking a robust consultation process with its staff and will continue to work very closely with the unions. It has also offered assurance that it is committed to sustaining the long-term future of its Port Talbot site in Wales against a global backdrop in recent years of shrinkage in the steel industry and intense global competition. Jobcentre Plus stands ready to support any employees potentially affected by today's announcement.

– Welsh Secretary David Jones MP

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Welsh Govt: Tata job losses 'of concern to many'

The Welsh Government says news that 400 jobs are to go at Tata Steel will be 'of concern to many of the skilled Welsh workforce'.

Tata has demonstrated its commitment to Wales by investing nearly £400m in the Strip business over the past two years. Despite this investment it is clear that the industry is still being adversely affected by high energy costs in the UK.

We continue to work with Tata to ensure we create and sustain a thriving steel industry in Wales but repeat our calls for the UK government to implement measures to reduce the burden faced by energy intensive companies in Wales.”

– Welsh Government Spokesperson

Tata: Port Talbot job cuts 'will improve competitiveness'

Tata Steel says the 400 job losses at its Port Talbot site will "improve the competitiveness" of its steelmaking business in South Wales.

It cited pressure of prices as the result of a "lower market demand era" in Europe

Tata Steel said lower demand and lower prices have put pressure on the business Credit: PA

"Steel demand and prices are likely to be under pressure for some years" said Tata's European Chief Executive Karl Koehler.

"Our business rates in the UK are much higher than other EU countries’ and our UK energy costs will remain uncompetitive until new mitigation measures come into effect".

More: AM and MP: Tata job cuts follow 'root and branch review'

AM and MP: Tata job cuts follow 'root and branch review'

In a joint statement, Hywel Francis MP and David Rees AM say they have been briefed by the Tata Hub Director for Strip Products over job losses at the Port Talbot steelworks.

We have been informed that these redundancies are proposed following the first root and branch review of the plant for many years.

We were assured that the usual process of consultation will be undertaken and key issues of long term sustainability of the plant and safety will be paramount.

We wish to place on record our continued faith in steel making at Port Talbot and we urge government at local, Welsh and UK level to work with Tata and the unions to achieve this.’

– Hywel Francis MP and David Rees AM

More: Tata Steel expected to announce job losses in Wales

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