Ken Skates AM, Minister for Economy and Transport
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Yesterday, Liberty Steel announced a consultation period on job losses at its Newport facility, as well as further job losses across the UK.
This is extremely disappointing news and we stand ready to do all that we can to support the workforce. We note the company anticipates these redundancies will be voluntary. As further information becomes available, our ReAct programme will be ready to support those impacted by today’s announcement, alongside coordinated support from local partners.
I am encouraged that the company remains committed to the long-term future of the Newport site. As is well documented, the sector continues to face a huge range of challenges, both globally and domestically and Liberty Steel is not alone in having to take difficult decisions at this time.
It is now vital that the UK government listens to the steel sector and takes urgent action to safeguard the future of the industry in the UK. I have written again to Andrea Leadsom, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, calling on her to convene a meeting with the steel industry and key stakeholders.