Thousands of steelwork jobs at risk

THOUSANDS of jobs at Britain’s largest steelworks are at risk as Tata presses ahead with net zero plans to shut down its blast furnaces.

The Indian global giant yesterday rejected union proposals to save roles at the plant in Port Talbot, South Wales, sources claimed.

More than 3,000 workers face redundancy after the decision to implement proposals for a greener form of production to cut emissions – and stem losses.

Unions will consult their members on how to respond to job cuts – with industrial action not being ruled out.

Tata is expected to make an official announcement this morning. Workers and unions were blindsided in November when a scheduled confirmation of the plan was pulled at the last minute.

In September, the Government agreed a £500million package to keep the plant open and make steel in a greener way.

Tata will invest £750million to install electric arc furnaces to cut emissions – but some 3,000 jobs will go.

Critics warned the move will be a ‘crushing blow’ to the Port Talbot community and make Britain more reliant on steel imports. GMB national officer Charlotte Brumpton-Childs added: ‘It doesn’t have to be this way – unions provided a realistic, costed alternative that would rule out all compulsory redundancies.

‘This plan appears to have fallen on deaf ears. Now steelworkers will suffer.’

Jess Ralston, analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: ‘ These jobs did not have to be lost. The rest of the world is growing their industry and keeping their jobs in steel.’

Stephen Kinnock, Labour MP covering the Port Talbot site, said: ‘Global demand for steel is growing, but by pursuing a narrow electric arc furnace-only model, Tata Steel will be unable to seize the commercial opportunities of the future.’

A spokesman for the Prime Minister refused to comment on ‘speculation in relation to commercial matters’.

Tata declined to react to reports that it had rejected the union proposals.