IEUAN Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister at the Welsh Assembly, says he is "saddened and disappointed" by this announcement by the massive job cuts announced by steel giants Corus - including the closure of the Llandybie plant which employs 73 people.

" It is a terrible blow for the workers and their families and its ramifications will be felt far beyond Port Talbot, Shotton, Llanwern and other Corus sites in Wales," he said.

"Steel-making has a long and proud association with the people of Wales. I am determined that we take action every action possible to support its future. "We've spoken to the company's senior management on a number of occasions and they have our absolute assurance that we will work with the UK Government and trades union representatives to do everything possible to support the workforce and the communities affected by these losses."