Unite Wales has reacted with concern in relation to media reports questioning the long term future of the blast furnaces at Tata’s Port Talbot plant. Speculation has emerged that Tata is in talks with the UK government to replace the plant's blast furnaces with electric arc furnaces as a condition of UK government investment.

Tony Brady, Unite's national steel officer, commented: “The media reports regarding the future of Port Talbot’s blast furnaces are speculation and indeed unhelpful to Unite’s campaign to secure a long term future for the Welsh and UK steel industry. We have to be creative in building a future for Tata in the UK, but that absolutely cannot be at the expense of our members' jobs.

"UK government support for the steel sector is desperately needed and it is good news that dialogue with the steel sector is finally taking place. The top priority in these discussions has to be about maintaining maximum levels of employment. Unite will be taking this message loud and clear to Tata when we meet with the company this week."

ENDS

For further information please contact Glyn Conolly on ‪07974 131771

Notes to editors:

  • Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest trade union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.