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Tata workers call first strikes in 40 years to stop steel destruction

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HISTORIC strikes in Port Talbot as Labour vows emergency talks with Tata after general election

Around 1,500 Tata workers based in Port Talbot and Llanwern will begin all-out indefinite strike action over the company’s plans to cut 2,800 jobs and close its blast furnaces.

The strike action, which begins on 8 July, will severely impact Tata’s UK operations. It is the first time in over 40 years that steel workers in the UK have taken strike action.

The escalation in industrial action comes after the workers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, began working to rule and an overtime ban on Tuesday (June 17).

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Tata’s workers are not just fighting for their jobs – they are fighting for the future of their communities and the future of steel in Wales.

“Our members will not standby while this immensely wealthy conglomerate tries to throw Port Talbot and Llanwern on the scrapheap so it can boost its operations abroad. They know South Wales is ideally placed to take advantage of the coming boom in green steel – if the right choices are made.

“The strikes will go on until Tata halts its disastrous plans. Unite is backing Tata’s workers to the hilt in their historic battle to save the Welsh steel industry and give it the bright future it deserves.”

Labour has called for Tata to halt its plans and wait until after the general election to engage in talks with the government, saying there is a ‘better deal to do’. Labour has pledged £3 billion for UK steel if elected next month, a commitment secured by Unite. Labour has also made emergency talks with Tata a priority if it wins the election.

Business

Government considers new food labelling reforms after overwhelming public support

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RSPCA welcomes move towards clearer animal welfare information for consumers

THE RSPCA has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement that it will consider mandatory labelling on animal products — a move the charity says could be a “game-changer” for animal welfare.

It follows the long-awaited publication of a consultation on “method of production” labelling, which revealed that 99% of individuals and 86% of organisations (when including imported goods) supported reforms to give consumers clearer information on how farm animals are reared.

The UK Government has pledged to consider the proposal as part of its wider food strategy and animal welfare commitments, expected to be published later this summer.

The consultation, which closed more than a year ago, focused on clearer labelling for pork, chicken, and eggs, but the RSPCA is now calling for the reforms to go further — extending to dairy, fish, and other animal products.

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “The public want to know where their food comes from, so we’re incredibly pleased to see the UK Government finally publish the outcome of this consultation.

“For too long, shoppers have had to rely on voluntary schemes like RSPCA Assured to make informed choices. Introducing clear, consistent, and mandatory labelling has the potential to drive up welfare standards across the board — and give consumers the ability to vote with their wallets.”

The charity launched the #BetterLabelsBetterChoices campaign in 2024, backed by more than 20,000 supporters, urging ministers to make it easier for the public to distinguish between high and low welfare products.

Currently, UK law does not require animal products to state how the animals were reared — despite major differences in welfare standards both within the UK and between international trade partners. The RSPCA has expressed concern that lower welfare imports from countries such as the United States and India could now enter the UK market due to free trade deals.

“There’s a real risk that low welfare products could flood supermarket shelves, undercutting British farmers and leaving shoppers unaware of the standards behind the food they’re buying,” Mr Bowles said.

“Mandatory labelling would give people the tools to make informed decisions and support high welfare British farming.”

The Government also confirmed it is engaging with devolved administrations, suggesting any reforms could be rolled out across all UK nations.

The RSPCA is now urging ministers to act swiftly and to ensure reforms include all animal products — not just meat and eggs — to create a food system that is transparent, consistent, and consumer-friendly.

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Delineate launches new community commitment to support local initiatives

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We need to think local, but reach global, says business

LLANDYSUL-based firm Delineate has unveiled a major new initiative aimed at supporting community development across the regions where it operates.

The global data and insight company, which has offices in Llandysul, London, and Mexico City, has launched its Community Commitment programme, offering quarterly grant funding for local projects and individuals. The initiative reflects the company’s dedication to creating meaningful, long-term impact at the local level while maintaining a global outlook.

As part of the new scheme, Delineate has also announced its 2025 charity partners—each selected by staff across its international offices. Under the theme of health and wellbeing, the chosen charities are: the DPJ Foundation (a Welsh mental health charity), Dandelion Time (a UK nature-based therapeutic charity), and Granito de Arena (a youth support organisation in Mexico City). Each will benefit from coordinated fundraising activities throughout the year, with all funds raised matched by the company.

Delineate’s CEO and founder, James Turner, said the initiative goes beyond corporate giving:
“Our Community Commitment demonstrates the value we place on building stronger relationships across our communities. By providing opportunities through charitable giving, volunteering, and direct funding, we aim to accelerate the fantastic work that’s already happening on the ground.

“At Delineate, we are more than just an employer. We value the time and energy our colleagues dedicate to strengthening local connections. I’m excited to see how these small steps can help drive meaningful community development from Llandysul to Mexico City and beyond.”

The programme was officially launched by Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans MS, who praised the initiative’s local focus and social value.

She said:
“Businesses such as Delineate are supporting our ambitions to grow the Welsh economy—creating quality job opportunities in rural areas while fostering social partnerships and building strong, lasting ties with local communities.

“I am delighted to formally launch the Delineate Community Commitment and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes it will deliver.”

Delineate says the new programme will embed social responsibility more deeply into its business operations, providing a clear sense of purpose and reinforcing the importance of community engagement at every level of the organisation.

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Awesome Instagram favourite West Wales ‘pod’ for sale at auction

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Its the last word in glamping luxury at just £45,000

AN AWESOME holiday property has become available just in time for a new owner to settle in and grab waves of wonderful rays of sunshine that beat down on arguably Wales’s most historic of seaside towns.

It’s a glamorous glamping pod offering oodles of modern sea holiday comforts with lashings of the most traditional of seaside resorts the feted West Wales County of Pembrokeshire has to offer.

Set in the beautiful holiday site of Redberth Gardens, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, this very popular open plan Glamping Pod offers a wealth of luxury and comfort.

Sean Roper, of South Wales based Paul Fosh Auctions, says the bijou Pembrokeshire property offers the utmost in glamping luxury and is .

Sean says: “The glamping pod we have on offer is glitzy camping taken up a few notches to a completely different level.

“The pod, which is at Redberth, near the historic seaside resort of Tenby, in Pembrokeshire, is bursting with all you could possibly need for a luxury seaside break.

“Set in a beautiful holiday site of Redberth Gardens, the glamping pod is listed with a guide price of just £45,000.

“Accommodating a maximum of four guests, with one double bed and a sofa bed, the pod has a private shower room and a fully fitted kitchen.

“The enclosed outdoor area is packed out with external furniture, bar, tv, projector screen, swing, outside fridge, pool table, outside shower and a free-standing bath. And as if all this is not enough there is also a fire pit and BBQ area.

“This really is the business and what’s more it’s a real favourite with people on instagram!

“This turn key investment, which comes fully managed and what’s even more comforting from an investor’s point of view, with onward bookings from people bursting with enthusiasm to get down to Pembrokeshire and chill at this most marvellous location, is to be sold with all internal and external furniture and fittings including hot tub, pool table and bar.

“The glamping pod, which is to be sold freehold with vacant possession, has proved very popular with holidaymakers over recent years generating an income in 2023 of £73,522 and last year, £81,935. The service charge is just £261.00.”

The Pembrokeshire glamping pod, along with more than eighty other varied lots, is listed for sale at Paul Fosh Auctions which starts at 12 noon, on Tuesday, June 24 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, June 26.

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