Tata Steel announces closure of coke ovens

Tata Steel has announced the coke ovens at its giant Port Talbot plant in south Wales will close on Wednesday over concerns about their "operational stability", according to the company.

The Community union called it "a massive blow".

However, the union's national officer for steel Alun Davies said its "number one concern" is its member's safety.

About 200 workers are likely to be affected, but at this stage uncertainty remains about their immediate future.

Steel unions said they had been aware of concerns about the condition of the coke ovens for some time, and have previously said they would not oppose an early closure on safety grounds.

But the unions are seeking assurances on job security.

Workers will be required to decommission the coke ovens, and there may be the possibility of redeployment to other parts of the operation in the short term.

The coke ovens were scheduled to close in June this year along with blast furnace 5 under Tata's proposals for the future of the Port Talbot operation.

Blast furnace 5 will continue to operate despite the closure with coke imported from elsewhere.