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PORT TALBOT: Steel plan sparks cautious hope — but big questions remain for Welsh jobs

At the heart of the strategy is a push to rebuild domestic steelmaking, including new tariffs on imports, a target for half of UK steel demand to be met at home, and billions in funding to support the industry’s transition.

For communities built around steel, the announcement lands at a critical moment.

In Port Talbot, the shift away from traditional blast furnaces is already under way, while in Llanelli, the Trostre works continues to play a key role in Welsh production. Together, they form part of an industry now facing one of the biggest changes in its history.

Local Labour MP Dame Nia Griffith has backed the plan, arguing it signals a more serious commitment to the sector after years of uncertainty.

Dame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, said:
“The steel industry is a vital core element of our economy here in Wales, generating growth and providing thousands of jobs, including hundreds in my own constituency.

“This is a clear, well thought-out, long-term strategy for our steel industry that will help deliver the high-quality steel our country needs for our key infrastructure, our national security and for the wider economy.”

Her support reflects the Government’s central message — that the strategy will not only protect jobs, but put the industry on a more stable footing for the future.

But that optimism is far from universal.

Opposition figures say the plan raises as many questions as it answers, particularly around how much of the promised investment will reach Wales and what role UK steel will play in major future projects.

David Chadwick MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Wales, said:
“It is welcome that the Government has finally acted, but this looks like a panicked move after months of delay.

“Since the blast furnaces were switched off, Welsh steel has been left on life support.”

There are also concerns about the UK’s trading position, with warnings that being outside key European arrangements could leave exporters at a disadvantage in one of their biggest markets.

Industry voices have struck a similarly measured tone — welcoming steps to tackle cheap imports while warning that deeper issues remain unresolved.

Unite, which represents many steelworkers across Wales, says the new tariff regime is a positive step, but argues the industry needs a clearer long-term direction.

Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, said:
“Unite welcomes the strengthening of the UK’s tariff regime to prevent the dumping of cheap foreign steel onto the domestic market.

“But this last minute situation is just another reminder that the reactive approach to UK steel that sees it lurch from crisis to crisis needs to be overhauled.”

One of the biggest sticking points is the industry’s shift towards electric arc furnaces — a cleaner form of steelmaking that relies heavily on recycled materials.

While central to the Government’s net zero ambitions, unions have warned that relying too heavily on this approach could limit the UK’s ability to produce certain types of steel.

Peter Hughes, Unite regional secretary, said:
“The government must also back the production of virgin green steel as we can’t simply rely on electric arc furnaces to produce all the steel we need.”

Alongside the strategy, ministers have also unveiled a new funding stream aimed at helping areas like Port Talbot adapt to the changes.

The Economic Growth & Investment Fund will offer grants of up to £1.5 million to businesses across Neath Port Talbot, Swansea and Bridgend, targeting sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green energy and digital industries.

Local leaders say it could help soften the economic impact of the transition — if it delivers.

Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:
“This fund provides an important opportunity to support businesses that are ready to invest, grow and create new jobs across the region.”

For now, the strategy marks a significant moment for Welsh steel — but not a settled one.

With major changes already under way and more still to come, the focus is quickly shifting from what has been promised to what will actually be delivered.

And for communities across South West Wales, that will ultimately be the measure that matters most.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

One year on: resilience after blast furnace closure
Council leaders reflect on a turbulent year for the steel town.

Work begins on Port Talbot electric arc furnace
A major step in the steelworks’ transition to new technology.

Farage promises “reindustrialisation of Wales”
A headline‑grabbing pledge to revive coal and steel sparks debate.

Government criticised over treatment of steelworkers
Unions and politicians condemn support offered during the transition.

Dramatic video shows final push at Morfa coke plant
Striking footage captures the last days before shutdown.

Unite cuts funding to Labour – time to force TUC to call a general strike to kick Starmer's government out ... THE UNITE union, the largest union donor ...

THE UNITE union, the largest union donor to the Labour Party, announced this week that it has voted to cut its Labour affiliation by £580,000 or 40% to the union’s funding of the party.#britain #election #employment #iran #israel #labourparty #localgovernment #palestine #protest #strike #tuc #unions #uniteunion #wrp #youngsocialists
Unite cuts funding to Labour – time to force TUC to call a general strike to kick Starmer’s government out - Workers Revolutionary Party

Unite cuts funding to Labour – time to force TUC to call a general strike to kick Starmer's government out ... THE UNITE union, the largest union donor ...

THE UNITE union, the largest union donor to the Labour Party, announced this week that it has voted to cut its Labour affiliation by £580,000 or 40% to the union’s funding of the party.#britain #election #employment #iran #israel #labourparty #localgovernment #palestine #protest #strike #tuc #unions #uniteunion #wrp #youngsocialists
Unite cuts funding to Labour – time to force TUC to call a general strike to kick Starmer’s government out - Workers Revolutionary Party

Unite cuts funding to Labour – time to force TUC to call a general strike to kick Starmer's government out ... THE UNITE union, the largest union donor ...

THE UNITE union, the largest union donor to the Labour Party, announced this week that it has voted to cut its Labour affiliation by £580,000 or 40% to the union’s funding of the party.#britain #election #employment #iran #israel #labourparty #localgovernment #palestine #protest #strike #tuc #unions #uniteunion #wrp #youngsocialists
Unite cuts funding to Labour – time to force TUC to call a general strike to kick Starmer’s government out - Workers Revolutionary Party

Unite cuts funding to Labour – time to force TUC to call a general strike to kick Starmer's government out ... THE UNITE union, the largest union donor ...

THE UNITE union, the largest union donor to the Labour Party, announced this week that it has voted to cut its Labour affiliation by £580,000 or 40% to the union’s funding of the party.#britain #election #employment #iran #israel #labourparty #localgovernment #palestine #protest #strike #tuc #unions #uniteunion #wrp #youngsocialists
Unite cuts funding to Labour – time to force TUC to call a general strike to kick Starmer’s government out - Workers Revolutionary Party

#UniteUnion #Unite

2026-03-04 2090-2040

Bogus self-employment - who pays the price?

File on 4 Investigates

As the government’s flagship Employment Rights Act (2025) comes into force, File on 4 Investigates a loophole worrying experts: bogus self-employment. We discover hundreds of workers on government contracts are said to be wrongly classified as self-employed. This we are told is the tip of the iceberg as more employers increasingly choose to put workers on self-employed contracts rather than employing them as staff, without all the rights, bolstered under the new laws.

Some are suggesting that recent changes to National Insurance have meant more business owners are keeping workers off payroll to keep running costs down. We will look at small businesses where it’s become increasingly difficult to employ staff in the traditional way and find that some workers in hospitality for example like the flexibility that job apps can give them when picking up casual freelance work.

Presenter: Tom Wall
Producer: Rob Byrne
Technical producer: Cameron Ward
Production Co-ordinator: Tim Fernley
Editor: Tara McDermott

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37 minutes

On radio

Today
11:00
BBC Radio 4

#BBCRadio4 #BBCFileOn4 #BBCFileOn4Investigates

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002s4f0

wikipedia
the Manufacturing, Science and Finance Union

In 2001 the MSF merged with the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union to form Amicus. The General Secretary of MSF from 1992 until the merger with Amicus was Roger Lyons, who continued as Joint General Secretary of Amicus's MSF section. In 2007 Amicus merged with the TGWU to form Unite.

#UniteUnion

Bus strikes across South West Wales come to an end after deal agreed

The company announced this week that a revised pay offer has been accepted by staff, lifting the threat of further walkouts and restoring certainty for passengers.

Agreement brings relief after months of disruption

Industrial action by Unite members had caused widespread disruption to services in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Llanelli and beyond, with strikes stretching into the autumn and winter.

Several rounds of negotiations saw offers rejected, strikes postponed, and services repeatedly thrown into doubt. At one stage, Unite confirmed action would continue into January, escalating concerns for commuters and local councils.

The breakthrough came after First Cymru tabled an improved offer, which has now been accepted.

First Cymru statement

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director of First Bus Cymru, said:

“We are pleased that the revised offer has been accepted by colleagues and that the threat of further strike action has been lifted. This agreement provides certainty for our teams and our customers, and enables us to move forward together.

“Our priority now is to restore confidence and deliver the reliable, consistent services that our communities depend on every day. We want to thank our customers for their patience during this period of uncertainty, and we look forward to welcoming back anyone who may have been affected by the recent disruption.”

Looking ahead

The end of the strikes will be welcomed by thousands of passengers who rely on First Cymru buses daily for work, school and essential travel. Local leaders, including Neath Port Talbot Council, had previously voiced concern about the impact of prolonged disruption on communities and businesses.

With the agreement now in place, attention turns to rebuilding trust and ensuring services run smoothly through the busy winter period.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Unite confirms suspension of First Cymru bus strike after improved pay offer
Early breakthrough as improved pay terms paused action and offered hope of a resolution.

Neath Port Talbot Council leader says First Cymru bus strike postponed
Local leadership welcomed a pause, highlighting the impact on commuters and essential travel.

First Cymru bus strikes set to continue into January as dispute escalates
The dispute deepened, with extended action threatening winter reliability across the network.

First Cymru bus strikes confirmed as workers reject latest pay offer
Unite members rejected terms, confirming new strike dates and pushing negotiations to the brink.

First Cymru confirms bus strikes will go ahead after pay offer rejected
Operator response followed the rejection, warning of significant service disruption.

First Cymru bus strikes postponed after new pay offer
A new offer paused planned walkouts and reopened dialogue between the parties.

First bus strike to cause major disruption across South and West Wales
Initial warning set the tone for months of uncertainty across Swansea and neighbouring areas.

#busStrike #busStrikes #featured #firstCymru #industrialAction #llanelli #neathPortTalbot #payDeal #southWestWalesTransport #swansea #uniteTheUnion #uniteUnion

First Cymru bus strikes confirmed as workers reject latest pay offer

Back pay row reignites walkouts

Unite the Union said its members had “overwhelmingly” voted to reject the latest offer, which did not include back pay. The union had paused strike action planned for 22 October in good faith, but confirmed that walkouts will now go ahead.

Strikes are scheduled for 30 and 31 October, and 1 and 2 November, with further action planned for 5 to 8 November. Unite has also warned that members are prepared to escalate the dispute into the Christmas period if necessary.

Union accuses company of “profiteering”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“First is guilty of trying to deny workers the back pay they are fully entitled to, in order to line its own pockets.”

The union claims First Cymru pays some of the lowest wages in the industry, and that new recruits are placed on a lower rate for 12 months, creating a “two-tier workforce.”

Unite also pointed to First Group’s latest financial results, which show £200 million in profit and a £3 million pay package for its chief executive.

Regional coordinating officer Alan McCarthy added:

“Communities across South Wales will now face bus chaos, but their anger should be directed at profiteering bus bosses who are seeking to short-change our members.”

Company says offer was “above inflation”

In a statement, First Cymru said it was “disappointed” by the rejection and warned customers to expect disruption.

“We have listened to Unite member feedback and made several offers to try to settle this dispute… Unfortunately, rather than work with us to find a resolution, Unite has decided to press ahead with strikes.”

The company said its door remains open to negotiation and promised updates on affected services via its website.

Pay gap and Real Living Wage comparisons

Unite said the recent announcement of the Real Living Wage uplift to £13.45 had further highlighted the gap between First Cymru drivers and their counterparts elsewhere.

The union claims drivers in Wales are earning up to £3 per hour less than those at other operators, including First Bus in Bristol.

What happens next

Strike action will begin Thursday 30 October, with services across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Llanelli and Carmarthenshire expected to be affected.

Passengers are advised to check First Cymru’s website for service updates and plan alternative travel where possible.

#busStrike #busStrikes #featured #FirstCymru #industrialAction #strikes #Union #UniteTheUnion #UniteUnion

First Cymru confirms bus strikes will go ahead after pay offer rejected

Company “disappointed” as talks fail

Doug Claringbold, Managing Director for First Bus in Cymru, said the company was “disappointed for our customers” that its “above inflation pay offer” had been rejected.

He added:

“Throughout this extensive negotiation process, we have listened to Unite the Union member feedback and made a number of offers in order to try and settle this dispute, to ensure customers who rely on our services are not affected by strike action.

Unfortunately, rather than work with us to find a resolution, Unite the Union has decided to press ahead with strikes, affecting our customers. Our door remains open to negotiation.”

The company said it will shortly publish details on its website about which services will be affected.

Strike dates confirmed

Unite the Union has confirmed that strike action will take place on the following dates (inclusive):

• Thursday 30 October – Sunday 2 November
• Wednesday 5 November – Saturday 8 November

The union has previously warned that strike action would “shut down” the bus network across South and West Wales.

Background

The dispute has been ongoing for several weeks. Earlier this month, strike action was postponed after a new pay offer was tabled by First Cymru full story here.

Unite has consistently argued that drivers deserve a fairer deal, warning that without improved pay, services and communities would continue to suffer. The union has also said that First Cymru’s drivers are among the lowest paid in the UK bus industry.

Previous coverage:

• Unite: First Cymru strike will shut down bus network across Wales
• First bus strike to cause major disruption across South and West Wales

What happens next

With strike dates now confirmed, passengers across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire face significant disruption.

First Cymru says its “door remains open” to Unite for further talks, but unless an agreement is reached, services will be severely reduced or cancelled during the strike periods.

#busStrike #FirstBus #FirstCymru #industrialAction #payDispute #TradeUnion #Unite #UniteTheUnion #UniteUnion

First payment to Unite's Community Member section has gone through. 👍

#UniteUnion

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, on #greedflation:

'The profiteering crisis isn’t just a few bad apples – it’s systemic across our broken economy. Entire industries are choosing to take advantage of a crisis, resulting in the spiralling prices of goods we all need'!

Great bit of research by #UniteUnion - here's a link to the full report (rather than the press coverage)

https://www.unitetheunion.org/media/4757/unite-investigates-corporate-profiteering-and-the-col-crisis.pdf