Tata Steel announces 1,000 UK job cuts

Union bosses have accused Tata Steel of “management failure” after the company announced it will be cutting up to 1,000 UK jobs.

The proposals are part of a new business “transformation” which will see a total reduction of employee numbers of up to 3,000 across Europe, the firm said.

It is not yet known whether the job cuts will affect Tata's 750 employees working at Wednesfield Steel Park in Wolverhampton.

Up to 1,600 job losses are also expected in the Netherlands and 350 elsewhere in the world – of which two thirds will be office-based or management roles.

Tata said the move is designed to “safeguard its long-term future” and “build a financially strong and sustainable European business”.

Matthew Lowe, policy and lobbying manager for Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: "The potential loss of up to 1,000 jobs at Tata Steel is terrible news and brings with it a period of great uncertainty for those 750 employees in Wednesfield.

“Tata Steel is one of those recognisable industries within the Black Country and it goes without saying that the Black Country Chamber of Commerce will be on hand to help anyone affected by this announcement.

"Anyone needing help, guidance or support on setting up a business should get in touch.”

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the steelworkers trade union Community, said he was “seriously concerned” about the direction Tata was taking.

“We have consistently called for a vision for the future, which includes plans for investment. Yet again that is lacking,” he said.

“We have been presented with short-term plans, which only create worry and uncertainty and do little to inspire confidence.

“It feels like the company is just managing decline and we need a significant change of direction that can inspire the workforce that they have a future.

“This is a consequence of management failure to have a plan B following the collapse of the joint venture with Thyssenkrupp.”

Mr Rickhuss added that union members should not have to “pay the price” for Tata’s mistakes.

“We are surprised that Tata have released this statement, which is against the spirit of what Tata have agreed to do today.

“It shows a complete and utter contempt for the workforce as we told them that their plans are ill-thought-out, badly conceived and need to be revisited.”

Henrik Adam, chief executive of Tata Steel in Europe, acknowledged the concerns raised by workers, but defended the company’s decision.

“I’m very proud to see the dedication of everyone in this business, determined to succeed even in the face of a very tough market,” he said.

“I also understand and appreciate colleagues’ concerns about these proposals. Change creates uncertainty, but we cannot afford to stand still as a company – the world around us is changing fast and we have to adapt.

“Our strategy is to build a strong and stable European business, capable of making significant investments needed for a successful future.”

Tata previously stated there would be no UK plant closures.

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said: “While this is a commercial decision for Tata Steel Europe, we are monitoring the situation closely and remain in regular contact with the company, unions and other partners throughout this process.”