Jessica O'ConnorTUC Cymru has warned that tens of thousands of industrial jobs in Wales could be at risk without stronger political commitments to protect manufacturing, as it launches a new campaign calling on all parties to act ahead of the next Welsh elections.
The union body said analysis suggests Reform UK policies could put almost 40,000 Welsh industrial jobs at risk, with Conservative positions posing a similar threat, though with a lower likelihood.
Automotive, metals, plastics and rubber manufacturing are among the sectors most exposed, with job losses concentrated in areas including Flintshire, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire.
This week, Welsh industrial workers and the TUC are launching the “Save Welsh Industry – No More Site Closures!” campaign in Deeside and Swansea, aimed at defending existing jobs and securing the future of industrial employment in Wales.
The campaign has called on all political parties to commit to a five-point plan to protect and rebuild Welsh industry.
According to TUC Cymru, 17 of Wales’ 22 local authorities have more than 500 industrial jobs at risk, while more than 7,700 automotive jobs, 7,500 metals jobs and nearly 5,800 plastics and rubber jobs could be threatened directly or through supply chains.
The union body said years of underinvestment have already taken a heavy toll on employment, pointing to recent site closures and job losses, including the closure of blast furnaces at Port Talbot in 2024.
It warned that without action, further losses are likely.
TUC Cymru said “Wales is at a crossroads” and argued that a renewed industrial strategy could support secure, futureproofed employment for current and future generations.
It added that further closures can be avoided if action is taken jointly by Westminster and the Senedd.
The campaign’s five-point plan focuses on cutting industrial energy costs, investing in clean industrial upgrades, fixing trade policy to prevent offshoring, using public procurement to support Welsh-made materials, and strengthening worker voice in industrial transition planning.
TUC Cymru said the campaign is about restoring industrial pride and ensuring Wales can once again support communities with good-quality, secure jobs, warning that failure to act risks accelerating the decline of key industries and the loss of skilled employment across the country.
