Unions tell Tata Steel UK steelmaking is at risk if blast furnaces closed

Union leaders make last-ditch attempt to avert job cuts and massive hit to local economy in south Wales

Union leaders have told Tata Steel they must keep a blast furnace at Port Talbot steelworks open until 2032 or else risk the future of the company’s UK steelmaking, in a last-ditch attempt to avert job losses.

Tata Steel was this month on the verge of announcing the near-immediate closure of the two blast furnaces, with the expected loss of 3,000 jobs. However, it dramatically pulled the announcement at the last moment, giving the unions the chance to argue their case.