AM RESPONDS TO TATA REDUNDANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

David Rees AM said:

“The announcement today by TATA steel of redundancies at its plants in Wales, including the works at Port Talbot, is hugely disappointing and a severe blow for those workers affected and their families. It continues to emphasise the difficult times being faced by our traditional manufacturing industries during this tough economic climate and the important role government can have in taking appropriate action to support them. The Welsh Government has a good relationship with TATA Steel and will work with it to support those affected by this decision and it is now for the UK government to take positive action to reduce the impact of UK energy costs and the ‘carbon Tax’ on these industries so that they can compete with their European competitors on a level playing field.”

“However, there is also a positive vision being announced today, in that Blast Furnace number 4 will be re-lit and will be in production alongside Blast Furnace number 5 early in the New Year. This, together with the reopening of the rolling mill in Llanwern, gives a strong indication of TATA’s commitment to see through these difficult times and continue producing steel here in South Wales.”
“I shall continue to work closely with management, trade unions and political colleagues both at a local level and national level to support that commitment and to protect the future of steel making at Port Talbot and across Wales”