Welsh Secretary says "this is an extremely difficult time" for Tata workers
Jo Stevens says the UK government will back workers and businesses in the Welsh steel industry
Last updated 30th Sep 2024
The second blast furnace at the Tata steelworks in Port Talbot will close later today (Monday 30th September).
Nearly 2,000 jobs will be lost as blast furnace number four ceases production.
The Government is determined to back Welsh steelworkers, the Secretary of State for Wales has said.
Jo Stevens' comments come as the final blast furnace shuts down.
She said: “This is an extremely difficult time for the all the workers, their families and the wider community affected by Tata’s decision to close its remaining blast furnace at Port Talbot.
“This government will support those affected and it is why within weeks of taking office we secured a better deal which secures the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot, lays the foundations for future investment and enhances protections for the workforce.
“We have also quickly released millions of pounds of funding from the Transition Board to support businesses and workers. Applications for that funding are now open and more will follow very soon.
“This government is determined to back workers and businesses in our Welsh steel industry whatever happens.”
Earlier this month, the UK Government announced a £500 million package to help the Port Talbot plant transition to greener, low carbon steel production.