Tata Steel: Port Talbot blast furnaces to close with 3,000 expected job losses

Most are expected to go by September, with the majority in Port Talbot where the steelworks will be transitioned to a greener electric arc furnace. Unions called it a "crushing blow" and the "worst-case scenario". The UK government said it will support employees and the local economy. Tata Steel currently employs 8,000 people, with about 4,000 based at the UK's largest steelworks in Port Talbot, which has two coal powered blast furnaces. The BBC has been told the first job losses are likely to begin in April, with more in September.