The UK Government is announcing the immediate release of £13.5 million in funding to support supply chain businesses and workers affected by Tata Steel’s decision to transition to greener steelmaking.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens will make the announcement today (15 August) at her second meeting as chair of the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board.

The funding is the first release from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board fund, which will support local businesses that are heavily reliant on Tata Steel as their primary customer, allowing them to turn towards new markets and customers where necessary.

Money will also be available to workers affected by the transition, helping them to find new jobs, access training and gain skills and qualifications in areas where there are vacancies.

The Welsh Secretary will also announce today that more than 50 businesses so far have signed a pledge to support any workers forced to leave their jobs in the steelworks.

The businesses, which include Fintech Wales, The Royal Mint, Cardiff Metropolitan University, RWE Energy, Ledwood Mechanical Engineering and Pro Steel Engineering, have committed practical support for workers ranging from guaranteed interviews for anyone made redundant, to providing training and coaching.

The Welsh Secretary will give