Corus Takevover

3.38.53pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 24th Oct 2006

Welsh Liberal Democrat Enterprise, Innovation and Networks spokesperson, Kirsty Williams, has called on the Government to support the 8,000 people in Wales currently employed by steel group Corus.

Her comments came in the midst of much uncertainty over the future of company, with several take-over bids being made by foreign firms.

Ms Williams said: "The 8,000 Corus employees in Wales face an anxious wait as the future of the company is decided. Whoever ends up taking over, I would expect the Welsh Assembly Government to do all it can to safeguard jobs in Wales, and to ensure workers pensions are properly resourced for the future.

"Workers are naturally concerned that these takeover bids will result in jobs going abroad - Tata have already refused to rule out job losses. Corus' takeover by an Indian company might open up the Welsh steel industry to growing foreign markets, but it is clearly imperative that the Government does have mechanisms in place, should the worst happen to the workers at Corus."

Notes:

§ Steel maker Corus is believed to be considering takeover bids from several companies at present, including Indian steel producer Tata and Brazilian firm CSN.

§ Ms Williams was speaking in response to a statement on future investment in Corus by the EIN Minister at the Assembly today.