Jason O’Connell MS calls for urgent action to protect Tata Workers

Jason O’Connell MS has called for an urgent statement from the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise following further delays to Tata Steel’s electric arc furnace project in Port Talbot.

Mr O’Connell said workers and their families must now become the Welsh Government’s “absolute priority” amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future of steelmaking in South Wales.

Workers at Tata were promised certainty, a secure transition and a long-term future for Welsh steelmaking. Instead, thousands of jobs have already been lost and communities now face further disruption as delays continue and concerns grow over infrastructure readiness.

Mr O’Connell said:

“Tata workers and the wider supply chain have carried the burden of uncertainty for far too long.

“These are skilled workers who have given years of service to Welsh industry, and they deserve honesty, security and proper support during this transition.

“The priority now must be protecting jobs, supporting families and ensuring Welsh steelmaking has a viable long-term future.

“Communities in Port Talbot and across South Wales cannot be left to pay the price for poor planning and political failure.”

Mr O’Connell called on the Welsh Government to work urgently with industry, trade unions and the UK Government to minimise disruption and safeguard jobs during the transition period.