WIREDGOV

First Minister Carwyn Jones has welcomed the agreement between Tata and the unions, describing it as a massive step towards securing the long term future of steel making in Wales.

The Welsh Government yesterday provided over £4 million for skills and training; the first element of a wider package of support for the company.  

The skills and training package will help secure the future of Tata plants in Wales by developing staff, improving succession planning and facilitating the transfer of skills from the mature workforce to younger employees.

The First Minister described the investment as proof of the Welsh Government’s confidence in the long term production of steel in Wales.

The First Minister said:

“This is great news for the future of steel making in Wales and a massive shot in the arm for the industry.  The Welsh Government has worked tirelessly over the past year to find a sustainable way forward and ensure the plants did not close and this announcement is a big step forward.

“I am pleased to announce today over £4 million to develop skills and training for Tata employees, while we have also made significant progress towards defining a wider package of support for Tata to secure the future of steel making in Wales.

“This has been a long and taxing year for the Tata employees, their families and the wider Port Talbot community. I am pleased there is more certainty for the future. Steel workers and their families can now  look forward to Christmas and face the New Year with increased confidence and security. Meanwhile today’s announcement also provides the much needed shot in the arm.”

The Economy Secretary Ken Skates said:

“This skills package is not only good news for the Tata plants in Wales but also the individual workers who have worked so tirelessly over the past year to sustain steel production here.

“It demonstrates our firm commitment to do all we can to secure the future of the Tata plants in Wales and our belief that steel making here has a sustainable future.

“Our investment in this programme is one of a number of ways in which we are demonstrating our commitment to the future of steel production in Wales and our determination to support in any way we can.”