In response to the announcement that two new Freeports in Wales have been successful in their bids, Roy Rickhuss CBE, General Secretary of the steelworkers’ trade union Community, said:
“We welcome the announcement of a new Freeport in Port Talbot and Milford Haven.
“The Celtic Freeport will give a significant boost for Port Talbot and the surrounding area, with the potential to create thousands of jobs and secure a brighter future for the community.
“The Freeport could play a crucial role in supporting the decarbonization of the Port Talbot steelworks, providing the green energy and hydrogen needed for investments in sustainable steel production.
“To realise this potential, it is essential that local supply chain plans are put in place to ensure Tata Steel and other businesses in the region benefit from the new site.
“We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the new Freeport delivers jobs and investment to the local community.“
Further information:
Community is the steelworkers’ union. More steelworkers are members of Community than any other union. We have a history dating back over a century, representing members and campaigning to protect Britain’s steel industry.
- 11,522 people signed the Britain, we need our steel petition. You read about the petition here.
- 33,000 people are directly employed by Britain’s steel industry.
- An additional 40,000 people work in the steel supply chain. Those jobs are reliant on the future of the industry too.
- Over 88 per cent of steelworkers are the main earner in their household.
- £6 billion is what Britain’s steel industry will be worth by 2030.
- £3 billion is the value of exports from Britain’s steel industry.
If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2023