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.

WHAAAT?
Unite union lobbies for warmongering investment.
Shame on #SharonGraham

Reeves must back defence investment plan or be sacked, says Unite union boss | Economic policy | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/25/rachel-reeves-treasury-defence-investment-plan-unite-union-sharon-graham

#warmongers

Unite: First Cymru strike will ‘shut down bus network’ across Wales

Hundreds of drivers, cleaners, engineers, stores workers and administrative staff are set to walk out from depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Ammanford between 22–25 October.

The union says its members rejected a 5% pay offer because First Cymru, part of the First Group transport network, refused to backdate the deal in full.

‘Poverty wages’

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“First Group is a hugely profitable company making millions yet it is treating its workers, and the communities they come from in Wales, with utter disdain.

It is simply unacceptable to pay poverty wages, offer a paltry pay rise and then try and withhold back pay. Our members won’t stand for it and they have the full support of their union in this dispute.”

First Group reported profits of more than £200 million last year, with its chief executive paid over £3 million.

‘Anger on the picket line’

Unite regional coordinating officer Alan McCarthy added:

“This strike will shut down the bus network across huge swathes of the country but it is a dispute entirely of First Cymru’s own making. All our members want is to be paid in line with other colleagues at other bus companies and for that pay to be backdated.

First Cymru has messed around in negotiations for long enough and will now see the anger of our members on the picket line.”

Background

Earlier today Swansea Bay News reported that First Cymru staff would take four days of strike action in October, warning of major disruption to services across South and West Wales.

Unite is demanding a pay award of £15 per hour, bringing First Cymru drivers in line with colleagues at Cardiff Bus and Arriva in North Wales.

The company has not yet issued a public response to the union’s latest comments.

#AlanMcCarthy #Ammanford #Bridgend #busStrike #Carmarthen #FirstCymru #Haverfordwest #industrialAction #PortTalbot #SharonGraham #Swansea #Union #Unite