More pain for the UK steel industry: Union bosses meet Tata Steel over Port Talbot job losses
Union bosses are preparing to meet with Tata Steel this week, following reports that there could be hundreds of job losses at the UK's largest steel works, signalling more pain for the embattled industry.
It follows local reports that around a quarter of the 4,000 steelworkers at the plant in Port Talbot, south Wales could lose their jobs. Local MP Stephen Kinnock subsequently told ITV news that that the jobs losses "won't be in the tens, it's much more likely to be in the hundreds".
Tata Steel is embarking on a widescale reorganisation of its business. In October, the company announced nearly 1,200 roles would go in Scunthorpe and Lanarkshire. This came after the loss of 2,200 jobs at SSI steelworks in Redcar.
Read more: This chart shows the decline of the UK's steel industry
The UK steel industry has been hit by falling prices, rising energy costs as well as the strength of the pound. Last year, steel prices plummeted to their lowest level in over a decade.
A spokesperson for Community, the steelworkers' union said: "These reports of potential job losses at Port Talbot should serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing steel crisis and the urgent need for government to deliver upon the agreed steps to protect this vital foundation industry."
"We need a level playing field for UK steel makers, especially on issues like business rates and energy costs."
"Community will be meeting with Tata Steel in the coming weeks to discuss these reports and how best we can build a sustainable steel industry together."