Tata Steel has announced it expects to cut 1,000 jobs across the UK as part of a new business “transformation”.
The proposals will see a total reduction of up to 3,000 employees across Europe, of which two thirds will be office-based or management roles, the firm said.
Up to 1,600 job losses are also expected in the Netherlands and 350 elsewhere in the world.
Tata, which has a steel-making plant in Port Talbot, South Wales, and employs 8,500 people across the UK, says that the move is designed to “safeguard its long-term future” and “build a financially strong and sustainable European business.”
Henrik Adam, chief executive of Tata Steel in Europe, said: “I’m very proud to see the dedication of everyone in this business, determined to succeed even in the face of a very tough market.
“I also understand and appreciate colleagues’ concerns about these proposals. Change creates uncertainty, but we cannot afford to stand still as a company – the world around us is changing fast and we have to adapt.
“Our strategy is to build a strong and stable European business, capable of making significant investments needed for a successful future.”
Tata previously stated that would be no UK plant closures but concerns over job losses were raised by unions.
Speaking earlier this month when job cuts were first mooted, Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community union, said: “This is a shocking announcement, which will worry many steelworkers and their families in the UK and across Europe.”
