Labour could be 'game changer'

Unions representing Tata steelworkers have emphasised that “time is of the essence” in saving 2,800 jobs as they reported positive, high-level talks with new business secretary Jonathon Reynolds.

“We are at a critical first stage, but the extra investment now secured and the change of attitude from this new Labour government could be the game changers” in saving jobs and revitalising the UK steel industry, said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.

At the beginning of July, the union paused its industrial action at Tata in South Wales after the company confirmed it was prepared to enter into negotiations about future investment for its operations and not just redundancies, including at Port Talbot and Llanwern.

Community trade union general secretary Roy Rickhuss said the union welcomed the fact that the new Labour government has prioritised securing the future of Port Talbot and the downstream sites. It also welcomed the business secretary’s “commitment to working with us to negotiate the best possible deal”.

But, he said: “There’s no doubt that time is running short, and we call on Tata to engage urgently in meaningful discussions with the government to unlock greater investment and protect jobs.

"The uncertainty must come to an end, and our members need and deserve to know what their future holds.”