Tata Steel has announced plans to cut 2,800 jobs at its Port Talbot steelworks, a decision that has sparked significant concern among workers, unions, and politicians. The Business Secretary's remarks suggesting that the job losses 'don't matter' have been met with criticism, particularly from steelworkers and Community Union members in Llanwern. Tomorrow, the Welsh Affairs Committee will take evidence from Tata's CEO, politicians, and union representatives at 9.30 am live on Parliament TV to scrutinize the closure of blast furnaces in Port Talbot. Meanwhile, Tata Steel has indicated openness to more investment in the area. MPs have highlighted the importance of the steelworks to local economies and the UK's renewable energy aspirations, specifically mentioning virgin steel's role in supporting offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. The closure's impact is compared to the shutdown of Duport Steelworks in Llanelli, with suggestions that government funding could present other options to save jobs.
Today I asked TATA Steel, if they would reconsider their decision on Port Talbot if funding was available. They said, if funding was there, they could look at other options going forward. It's clear that jobs can be saved if the govt has the will to. #UKSteel #SupportUKSteel https://t.co/1YKRUCzmZ7
The TATA workers I met last week know that the virgin steel they make is vital to supporting our renewable energy aspirations – like offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. This Conservative government's shortsightedness is sacrificing the jobs of today and tomorrow. #WelshQuestions https://t.co/DULrYdSv3y
Growing up in Llanelli, I saw the devastating impact the closure of Duport Steelworks had on my hometown. Today at @CommonsWelshAff we were told the 2800 job losses at Tata in Port Talbot is just the tip of the iceberg #SaveOurSteel https://t.co/2AaaP1SKmS
Tata Steel open to more investment in Port Talbot https://t.co/ScTucUvgNX
The loss of 3,000 jobs is a kick in the teeth for our Welsh steelworkers. It will devastate local economies, and the sovereign steelmaking capacity that would build the wind turbines we need. Yet the Business Secretary told us it was “not about the jobs lost”. #WelshQuestions
Port Talbot's steelworks look set to lose nearly 3,000 jobs under new plans by Tata https://t.co/VIkUtWkJXz
Tomorrow @CommonsWelshAff will be taking evidence from the CEO of Tata, politicians and union representatives to scrutinise the decision by Tata Steel to close its blast furnaces in Port Talbot. 📺You can watch live on Parliament TV from 9.30 am on https://t.co/mVBSeUH5GZ
Earlier today, the Business Secretary essentially said that job losses at Tata don’t matter. I spoke to steelworkers from Llanwern and Community Union members today ahead of the Newport County game and they had a very different view of things. #WeNeedOurSteel https://t.co/TmQJdND3Ss
Earlier today, the Business Secretary essentially said that job loses at Tata don’t matter. I spoke to steelworkers from Llanwern and Community Union members today ahead of the Newport County game and they had a very different view of things. #WeNeedOurSteel https://t.co/PctgMldg8z
Earlier today, the Business Secretary essentially said that job loses at Tata don’t matter. I spoke to steelworkers and Community Union members today ahead of the Newport County game and they had a very different view of things. #WeNeedOurSteel https://t.co/JO3eYnJhhL
Earlier today, the Business Secretary essentially said that job losses at Tata don’t matter. I caught up with steelworkers from Llanwern and members of Community Union ahead of the Newport County vs ManU game today, who had a very different view of things… #WeNeedOurSteel https://t.co/CKyCfxjWws
The Business Secretary essentially said that job losses at Tata don’t matter. I caught up with steelworkers from Llanwern and members of Community Union ahead of the Newport County vs ManU game today, who had a very different view of things… #WeNeedOurSteel https://t.co/PPWchKpKuT
It came after owner Tata's announcement that 2,800 jobs will go, which unions say will be mostly in Port Talbot https://t.co/LcM1rMmyGY