An expected announcement on the future of the UK’s biggest steel plant was postponed yesterday (November 1) where Unions had been expecting confirmation of thousands of job losses at Port Talbot in South Wales.
The board of steel giant Tata met in India and was expected to reveal details of job losses under plans to produce steel in a greener way.
The government has said it will give up to £500 million and Tata will spend hundreds of millions of pounds in a development aimed at securing the future of the plant, which has been the main employer in Port Talbot for decades.
Port Talbot has two blast furnaces producing steel used in everything from cars to cans.
It is the biggest employer in the region, also supporting jobs in companies which supply the plant with goods and services and the loss of thousands of jobs will have knock on effects across the region. Union chiefs recognise the need to move to a greener production but are trying to save as many jobs as possible in negotiation with its Indian owners.
A Tata Steel spokesperson said: “We hope to start formal consultation with our employee representatives, shortly. In these discussions, we will share more details about our proposals to transition to a decarbonised future for Tata Steel UK.
“We believe our £1.25 billion proposal to transition to green steelmaking will secure the business for the longer term, bolster UK steel security and help develop a green ecosystem in the region.
“We are committed to meaningful information and consultation process with our trade union partners about these proposals and will carefully consider any proposals put forward.”
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB national officer, said: “GMB expects a full and meaningful consultation before any detailed plans are announced.
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