Wales steelworkers hit by redundancy offered funding to help go self-employed
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Posted: Thu 24th Oct 2024
A new fund has opened for steelworkers made redundant after the closure of the blast furnaces at the Tata Steel factory in Port Talbot.
The controversial move last month brought an end to traditional steelmaking in the area and the loss of 2,800 jobs.
To support affected people and businesses, the government has launched a £13.5m programme and this week, the Employment and Skills Flexible Fund opened for applications.
The fund is targeted at impacted affected workers and individuals employed in the supply chain anywhere in Wales. It aims to maximise their chances of finding appropriate work through training, and upskilling, including self-employment.
The grants can be used for purposes including training costs, exam fees, work related certificates and licences, tools and equipment or public liability insurance for running their own business.
Funding amounts vary, including up to £1,000 where it leads to a guaranteed new job, and up to £10,000 for skills development, qualifications, professional certificates and licences which will lead to a meaningful new career.
Grants capped at £20,000 for more specialist qualifications, certificates, licences that lead to jobs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Neath Port Talbot Council leader Cllr Steve Hunt said:
"Port Talbot is the focal point for the majority of job losses, but the scale of Tata Steel's operations means that the knock-on effects of their restructuring are being felt very widely.
"The council is playing a central role in supporting not only our local communities but also extending that support to whoever needs it, wherever they are in Wales.
"I would urge any affected workers within Wales, particularly those working for companies within Tata's supply chain to contact their local authority support services."
Rebecca Evans, Welsh government cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, added:
"We know that many workers connected with Tata Steel are facing an uncertain time about what the future holds, and we've made clear that, working alongside UK government and delivery partners, we will provide the best support possible for as long as it takes.
"This fund forms part of that support, offering advice on new opportunities, training and upskilling, alongside other practical help."
An online resource of support is available at www.npt.gov.uk/TataTransition
The government scheme runs alongside Tata Steel UK's own £20m outplacement programme to support employees who are being made redundant.
In Neath Port Talbot, which is projected to see the most significant direct and indirect job losses, funding has also increased capacity in the council's NPT Employability service to meet the increased demand.
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