Tata to cut 900 steel jobs in England and Wales Steel giant Tata today announced plans to cut 900 jobs and close 12 sites to improve competitiveness. Most of the job losses will be in south Wales, including 500 at Port Talbot, as it restructures management and administrative functions at the plant. In addition, shift levels at the company's Hartlepool and Rotherham operations will be reduced to match production to lower demand for bar products and pipelines. The proposed changes are expected to lead to the loss of 900 jobs in the UK, including 580 in south Wales, 155 in Yorkshire, 120 in the West Midlands and 30 in Teesside. Indian-owned Tata Steel also said it will restart one of two blast furnaces at Port Talbot in the first quarter of next year as part of a £250 million investment programme. Karl Köhler, chief executive of Tata Steel's European operations, said: "Today's proposals are part of a strategy to transform ourselves into an all-weather steel producer, capable of succeeding in difficult economic conditions. These restructuring proposals will help make our business more successful and sustainable, but the job losses are regrettable and I know this will be a difficult and unsettling time for the employees and their families affected. We will be working with our trade unions and government at a national and local level to ensure we provide them with as much assistance and support as possible. Köhler said the group's UK Steel Enterprise division will examine how it can support to local steel communities and the group will contribute £650,000 to help them create jobs in affected areas. Michael Leahy, general secretary of the Community trade union, said: "This news will be of great concern to many of our members and their families. We will be seeking an urgent meeting with the company to ensure our principle of no compulsory redundancies is upheld, although we are pleased to see the company has already committed to offering a package of training and support for those affected by these changes.