COMMUNITY has launched a support centre to support Port Talbot steelworkers following the closure of the site’s last blast furnace last month and resulting loss of thousands of jobs.

The union partnered with the central, regional and local government and other agencies to establish the “one-stop shop” for workers in the South Wales town’s Aberafan shopping centre.

Today, steelworkers met with Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss, Welsh secretary Jo Stevens and Welsh government economy secretary Rebecca Evans at the site’s launch.

Mr Rickhuss said: “The closure of the blast furnaces was a devastating day for our industry, steelworkers and the whole of Port Talbot. This is not the outcome we wanted to see and we know a different future was possible.

“But our focus must now be on how best to support everyone affected and on delivering serious investment and high quality jobs for the entire town of Port Talbot.”

Ms Stevens said: “This innovative hub will act as a one-stop shop to help deliver the support to workers affected by the changes at Tata Steel.”