DAVID CAMERON was accused of “sitting on his hands” as Britain’s steel industry descended further into crisis yesterday with the loss of another 1,000 jobs.

After weeks of speculation about the future of steel production at the huge Port Talbot plant in south Wales, Tata bosses confirmed workers’ worst fears by announcing plans for 750 redundancies.

Alan Coombs, a Port Talbot steelworker and president of the Community union, said the town “simply cannot afford to lose” its steelworks, which he said was a “source of pride and employment.”

Some 300 more workers at smaller factories and steel mills at Llanwern, Trostre, Corby and Hartlepool will also lose their livelihoods.

The Tory Prime Minister insisted he could not have done more to prevent the “sad news,” insisting the government had taken action to reduce energy costs for the industry.

And he still insisted that he wanted a “strong British steel industry at the heart of our important manufacturing base.”

But Community pointed out that the industry has still not received cash promised by the Prime Minister in October to compensate for high energy costs.

General secretary Roy Rickhuss said: “This industry needs meaningful action from the government, which up to now has been characterised by fast talking but slow delivery despite persistent warnings from Community that delays in implementing support for steel would have an impact on jobs.”

The TUC called for action to stop the “dumping” of cheap Chinese steel on the British market and support for British steel through public-sector procurement.

Shadow business secretary Angela Eagle warned: “If this doesn’t happen urgently, the Tories’ laissez-faire attitude to our steel industry could lead the downturn into a death spiral.”

Plaid Cymru said the Welsh government should save Port Talbot steel works by temporarily taking a public stake.

Economy spokesman Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “There is a bright future for steel in Wales but urgent help is needed to get us through these difficult times.”

Bosses of the Indian Tata Steel conglomerate were also criticised for “slashing” jobs despite Port Talbot setting record production rates.

Unions demanded that Tata come clean about whether it is committed to the future of British steel or is about to cut and run.

Tata Steel Europe chief executive Karl Koehler called on stakeholders to do “their utmost” to meet “unprecedented challenges” the steel industry in facing.

Rob Hulse
GMB national officer
This news is heartbreaking for the steel industry and our members and once again demonstrates that this government is asleep when it comes to the serious problems that we are facing.

Harish Patel
Unite national officer
The knock-on effects of these latest job losses will be felt throughout the supply chain and the wider manufacturing community across the UK, torpedoing George Osborne’s promise to rebalance the economy.

Carwyn Jones
First Minister
The Welsh government has a strong relationship with Tata and we have supported the steel industry in Wales over many years. We will now continue working tirelessly to provide support during these challenging times.