The government is poised to come under fresh pressure to help the steel industry with workers braced for further job losses.

Tata is expected to announce around 1,000 job cuts at plants including Port Talbot and Llanwern in south Wales.

The news of redundancies at plants including Port Talbot and Llanwern in south Wales is likely to be made on Monday, dealing a new blow to the industry.

Thousands of job losses were announced last year, with companies blaming high energy costs and cheap Chinese imports.

Tata and the steel unions made no comment, but sources told the Press Association that an announcement was imminent, with the majority of job cuts expected to be at Port Talbot, which employs more than 4,000 workers.

Many contractors and service firms rely on the plant, so the direct job cuts will have a larger knock-on effect across the region.

The government responded to the crisis last year by holding a summit and pressing the EU to help firms with high energy consumption.

However, unions believe more should be done and will use any announcement from Tata as proof that further action is needed.

A Business Department spokesman said: “While this remains unconfirmed by the company, these reports are concerning and we are monitoring the situation closely. The government continues to engage closely with Tata on how we can help during this difficult period for the sector.



“The government has taken clear action to help the industry, through cutting energy costs, taking action on imports, government procurement and EU emissions regulations, meeting key steel industry asks.”