Unite, the UK’s leading union, has welcomed the announcement that the construction work on building a new electric arc furnace has begun at Port Talbot.

The construction is a result of a £500 million grant supplied by the UK government, which was agreed following intensive lobbying by Unite.

Unite believes that the construction of the electric arc furnace must be the first step in securing the long-term future of the UK steel industry. Substantial further funding is needed, after the steel industry had been starved of investment for decades.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The news that Tata has finally began the construction of the new furnace is good news, it protects thousands of jobs and secures the long-term future of Port Talbot.

“This must be the first step in the rebirth of our steel industry, however substantial further investment is needed to ensure the UK is the leader in green steel, which will both preserve existing jobs and create future employment opportunities.

“Unite will continue to ensure that the UK steel industry and the government deliver on their promises for further investment, which is crucial for workers, our steel communities and the wider economy.”

ENDS