At the largest steelworks in the nation, Tata Steel in Port Talbot, up to 2,800 jobs could be eliminated as the company transitions to a more environmentally friendly method of producing steel that needs fewer laborers.
The funding announcement will be made by Welsh secretary Jo Stevens on Wednesday during her second meeting as head of the Tata Steel/Port Talbot transition board.
The package is intended to assist companies who depend on Tata Steel as their primary supplier, and the funds will also be utilized to assist laid-off workers by providing them with access to training and certifications in industries.
As part of the agreement, Ms. Stevens, the Cardiff East MP, will also declare that over 50 companies have committed to helping any employees who are compelled to quit their positions at the steelworks.
The government and Tata Steel will continue their separate negotiations over what will happen to the Port Talbot facility, whose employees make up 12% of the town’s total population.
The first £13.5 million in funds was released today, according to Ms. Stevens, “demonstrating our determination to take decisive action to support workers and businesses in Port Talbot, working with the Welsh government, unions, and the wider community.”
