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Community to rally against Tata Steel job cuts in Port Talbot

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PROTESTORS are set to gather outside the Port Talbot Jobcentre Plus, making a stand against the proposed job cuts by Tata Steel that threaten to devastate the local community. The rally, scheduled for Wednesday, 28 February 2024, from 1 pm to 2 pm, aims to draw attention to the potential destruction of Port Talbot’s social and economic fabric if the company proceeds with its plan to lay off 2,500 steelworkers and shut down the town’s blast furnaces permanently.

This demonstration is a critical part of Unite the Union’s broader campaign to compel Tata Steel to reconsider its decision, a move that is also receiving strong support from members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union employed at the jobcentre. The gathering will take place at the Jobcentre Plus located at 64-66 Station Road, Port Talbot, SA13 1LX, with organisers promising comprehensive photo and video coverage upon request.

The protesters aim to vividly portray the bleak future awaiting Port Talbot should Tata’s current proposals come to fruition, drawing parallels to the long-term suffering endured by coalfield communities across England and Wales in the wake of mine closures. These areas continue to grapple with diminished employment opportunities, heightened unemployment, deteriorating health outcomes, and an increased dependency on social benefits.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s General Secretary, expressed a determined stance against the looming economic calamity, reminiscent of the plight that befell Britain’s coal mining towns. “The fight to prevent Port Talbot from enduring similar economic devastation is urgent,” she asserted. Graham remains optimistic about the UK steel industry’s prospects, citing the success of its counterparts in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, contingent on the right mix of support and strategic decisions. Unite is poised to escalate its efforts by initiating a strike ballot among its Tata members next week and leveraging all available means to pressure the company and political leaders to abandon their current plans.

Echoing Unite’s sentiments, PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote extended unwavering solidarity to the workers at risk of redundancy due to the closure of Port Talbot’s blast furnaces. Heathcote criticised the move as an act of “industrial vandalism” and highlighted the ripple effects it would have, not only on the directly affected employees but also on the PCS members working in jobcentres and the broader community. The jobcentre staff, already under significant strain, face the daunting prospect of accommodating thousands of additional claimants, further exacerbating the challenges within the beleaguered town.

As Port Talbot stands on the brink of an uncertain future, the upcoming rally symbolises a critical juncture in the community’s fight against industrial decline, urging both Tata Steel and the government to chart a more compassionate and sustainable course forward.

Business

Kurtz Addresses Skills and Employment Convention

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SENEDD Member Samuel Kurtz kicked off an Employment and Skills Convention at the Cardiff City Stadium recently, organised by the Learning and Skills Institute. The event sought to unite organisations, businesses, and training providers to discuss critical issues surrounding employment and skills development across Wales.

The convention featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including local Samuel Kurtz MS, who is the Shadow Minister for the Economy and Energy; Rhys Morris, Managing Director of The Busy Group; and Megan Hooper, Director for Employment and Skills at Serco. Together, they explored strategies for increasing employment and the positive impacts this can have on individuals, young people, and the broader community.

Following the event, Samuel Kurtz said: “It was a privilege to speak at this convention and to underscore the vital role of collaboration between government and the private sector in aligning skills and training with the evolving needs of our economy.

“By enhancing skills and creating jobs, we can foster a resilient workforce that will not only meet today’s demands but also drive essential green infrastructure projects, ensuring a prosperous future for young people in Wales.

“Welsh Government Ministers must acknowledge their role in addressing high levels of economic inactivity. Introducing employment targets is essential to support people in re-entering the workforce and contributing to Wales’ economic growth.”

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Business

Homebase enters administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk

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HOMEBASE, the beleaguered home improvement chain with stores in Haverfordwest and Bridgend, has collapsed into administration, placing 2,000 jobs in jeopardy. The company has struggled with rising costs and shifting consumer demand, which led to the closure of other Welsh stores in Newport, Brecon, Mold, and Cardiff in recent years.

Hilco, Homebase’s owner, had been attempting to sell the struggling retailer but failed to secure a complete buyer. The owner of The Range, CDS Superstores, has agreed to acquire up to 70 Homebase locations along with the brand itself, protecting approximately 1,600 jobs. However, this deal leaves 49 stores without a buyer, with thousands of additional jobs at risk in stores and at the head office. Teneo, the appointed administrators, declined to specify which locations face potential closure.

For now, the 49 stores will continue trading as Teneo seeks a buyer, with no immediate redundancies planned. In the new arrangement, CDS Superstores has acquired Homebase’s brand name and intellectual property, ensuring the Homebase brand will persist online, while physical stores will convert to The Range.

Damian McGloughlin, CEO of Homebase, described the past three years as “incredibly challenging” for the DIY sector. He cited the downturn in consumer spending following the pandemic, persistent inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and unusual weather patterns as factors that impacted Homebase’s performance. Despite restructuring and investment efforts, the business has not been able to turn its fortunes around.

Teneo joint administrator Gavin Maher acknowledged the uncertainty this announcement brings, urging any interested buyers for the remaining stores to make contact.

The current administration marks the end of a troubled chapter for Homebase, which Hilco bought for £1 in 2018 after Wesfarmers, its previous owner, admitted to several strategic missteps, including underestimating winter demand and cutting popular product lines. Homebase reported an £84.2 million loss last year, highlighting its continued financial struggle amid competition from budget-friendly rivals such as B&M and Home Bargains, which have thrived in the value-driven market.

Homebase was founded in 1979 by Sainsbury’s and the Belgian-owned department store chain GB-inno-BM. Over the years, it expanded rapidly, absorbing the Texas Homecare chain in the 1990s before changing hands several times in the 2000s.

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Business

Bluestone National Park Resort pledges support to armed forces community

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BLUESTONE National Park Resort has signed the Armed Forces Covenant to pledge its commitment to the UK Armed Forces as the country commemorates Armistice Day.

Bluestone, which employs several former armed forces personnel, marked Armistice Day on 11, with a commitment to reaching gold status on the covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly.

The Covenant aims to eliminate disadvantage and ensure that no member of the armed forces community faces discrimination in providing public and commercial services compared to any other citizen.

Glenn Hewer, Head of Sales at Bluestone, is a former Royal Marine who volunteers with the Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines. He said: “More and more employees recognise the importance and significance that former armed personnel have and play in their communities and workplaces. The covenant is a commitment to them and a recognition of what they and their families have sacrificed for us.

“Additionally, ex-forces personnel make great employees in all walks of life. They are highly trained in a wide range of skills and bring many benefits to businesses. Providing an opportunity that allows them to further their careers outside the military is a great way of supporting them and their families.”

This commitment has also led Bluestone to join the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze award. The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. It encompasses bronze, silver, and gold awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support for defence and the armed forces community.

Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort who is also a veteran of the Royal Engineers, said: “At Bluestone, we deeply value the contribution of the Armed Forces community to our country.

“We are proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrate our commitment to supporting them. We believe it’s important to recognise the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families and ensure they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. We are committed to attaining the Gold ERS as we build our relationship with the armed forces community.”

Craig Middle, Regional Employer Engagement Director at the Ministry of Defence, said: “We are delighted that Bluestone National Park Resort has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community. This is a fantastic example of a business recognising the value that serving personnel, veterans and their families bring to the workplace and wider society.”

Marten added: “The Armed Forces Covenant is a living document, and Bluestone is committed to updating its pledge to reflect its ongoing support for the Armed Forces community.”

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