Tata confirms 1,000 job cuts in huge blow for steel industry

Updated

The steel industry has been dealt another huge blow after Tata confirmed that more than 1,000 jobs are to be axed.

Most of the jobs will go at the huge plant in Port Talbot, south Wales, where 750 posts will be cut.

But other factories will also be hit, with 200 in support functions and 100 at steel mills, affecting Llanwern, Trostre, Corby and Hartlepool.

Karl Koehler, chief executive of Tata Steel's European operations, said: "I know this news will be unsettling for all those affected, but these tough actions are critical in the face of extremely difficult market conditions which are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

"We need the European Commission to accelerate its response to unfairly traded imports and increase the robustness of its actions. Not doing so threatens the future of the entire European steel industry.

"And while we welcome progress on UK energy costs, the Government must take urgent action to increase the competitiveness of the UK for its vital steel sector. This includes lowering business rates and supporting energy efficiency and anti-dumping cases so we can compete fairly.

"Tata Steel has been a hugely supportive investor, and has invested £1.5 billion in its UK operations. We now need all stakeholders to do their utmost to meet the unprecedented challenges the steel sector is facing."

The Government was accused of "fast talking but slow delivery" by unions, which said the latest news was devastating for local communities.

Soubry 'Determined' to Keep Steel Production at Port Talbot
Soubry 'Determined' to Keep Steel Production at Port Talbot

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