Concerns about proposed job losses at Tata steelworks in Port Talbot have led to employee mental health deteriorating due to the uncertainty surrounding the proposed changes. The company is considering restructuring plans that will entail investing £1.25bn in greener technology. The restructuring process, however, will lead to the loss of thousands of jobs during the transition period.
Jamie Jones, 45, who has worked at the site since he was 17, says that the “finality” of the proposed plans has caused widespread worry and anxiety. He is a third-generation engineer at the plant and claims that many workers are unsure of their future. Losing jobs in the steel plant will have a domino effect on other businesses within the town of Port Talbot.
Tata Steel CEO Rajesh Nair outlined in a statement that the general election is unlikely to affect the proposed plant closures. The firm argues that closing the plant is unavoidable to reduce financial losses and make the transition towards greener steelmaking. The UK government announced in October it will aid Tata Steel with a £500m grant towards the £1.25bn cost of a new electric arc furnace.
The Welsh Conservatives have pledged to ensure steelmaking remains at Port Talbot. They say a UK government investment of £500m in new furnaces, along with a £100m transition fund to aid workers in retraining, will ensure the security of the industry’s future. Welsh Labour has condemned the proposed job losses, noting the steel industry’s importance to the country’s economy, and pledged to invest £2.5bn to protect jobs in the sector.
Plaid Cymru argues that the major political parties have neglected the future of steelmaking and that the general sense of inertia over the process will damage the country’s economic and social fabric. The party’s economy and energy spokesman Luke Fletcher argue that the gap in primary steel production can only be covered by importing from other countries. The Reform Party says they are concerned about the entire net-zero project pushed by both the Labour and Conservative governments and how it is affecting industries like steelmaking
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More