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Action helpdesk for worried workers

Steelworkers facing redundancy after Corus announced huge job losses are being helped by a new South Wales Argus campaign.

The Argus launched its Backing Our Steelworkers campaign a week before Corus announced the closure of the Ebbw Vale tinplate works and the end of steelmaking at the giant Llanwern plant in Newport, with more than 2,500 jobs being lost.

Following the announcement, the Argus launched a special Steel Helpdesk, aimed at giving worried workers help and advice.

The Helpdesk has grown to a page a day, featuring helpful telephone numbers, advice and a question and answer service for steelworkers.

A cross-party group of National Assembly members have praised the Argus initative.

One of them, deputy first minister and economic development minister Mike German, said: “The Argus has led the campaign to get Corus to think twice about putting the axe in the back of steelworkers. And in setting up this helpline it demonstrates it’s still committed to the people of Gwent. It’s an excellent initiative.”

Argus deputy editor Kevin Ward said: “Our campaign is all about offering help and support for steelworkers facing an uncertain future – and lobbying the politicians to make sure the necessary multi-million pound recovery package is put in place for Ebbw Vale and Llanwern.

“Our Helpdesk is aimed at giving workers the information they need quickly.

“And we aim to use our influence and contacts to answer questions workers are finding difficult to get answered on their own.

“The response we have had from steelworkers and their families has beenphenomenal.”

Meanwhile, Argus business editor David Barnes has joined the Llanwern Taskforce, a Newport-based group comprising poltical and union leaders that will work with the Assembly and the UK government on regeneration plans for the area.

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