Tata workers march to save Newport's Orb steelworks

A march has been held over the proposed closure of the Orb steelworks in Newport with 380 jobs at risk.

Tata Steel announced last month it was closing the site after failing to find a buyer.

Workers marched through Newport on Saturday.

The factory, which makes electrical steel used in power transmission, was put up for sale in May 2018, with Tata wanting to concentrate on its core steel business.

Tata said it would have cost £50m to upgrade the Orb site to make it competitive.

People waved flags and wore t-shirts saying "Save our Steel"

Cheryl Hider, whose daughter's partner works at Orb and has a four-month-old baby, said: "They could become homeless because of rent, it's quite devastating actually that it's come to this.

"It's been part of our history since day one, it's part of Newport and we're part of Newport and we need to save Newport jobs."

Tracey Collins, whose two sons work there, added: "It's been here for such a long time, it would be a shame to see it go.

"Everybody's thinking they are going to lose their jobs at Christmas."

Cheryl Hider holds a Community Union banner

Robert Spencer has worked at the site for 15 years. He said the closure of the site has led to worries about the future.

"Without a job, I can't provide for my children," he said.

"I'd also like to see my children have a future in the firm... it's a shame to see it all being thrown away."

Tata Steel announced it was shutting the site after it failed to find a buyer