Hundreds of steel workers are set to go on strike over the proposed closure of Port Talbot’s blast furnaces.

Unite the Union announced the result of its strike ballot on Thursday but walkout dates are yet to be confirmed.

Around 1,500 workers based in Port Talbot and Newport voted in favour of strikes.

It will be the first time in more than 40 years that Port Talbot steel workers have gone on strike.

Thousands of jobs could be lost in the South Wales town should Tata Steel proceed with proposals to shut both blast furnaces.

Unions are warning that a total of up to 2,800 jobs could be lost if Tata’s plans go ahead.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham described the ballot result as a “historic vote”.

“Unite will be at the forefront of the fight to save steelmaking in Wales,” she added.

“We will support steel by all and every means.”

The proposals were officially confirmed in January, with Tata boss TV Narendran telling MPs the decision was “pretty much” a done deal.

Tata said the move will mark the beginning of a new way of steelmaking which is “competitive and greener”.

But there are concerns in Port Talbot about its impact on the local economy, with the plant’s workforce currently accounting for 12% of the town’s population.

Read more from Ed Conway:
Why British steel is on brink of extinction

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Unite argues that other European countries are transitioning to ensure a “bright future” for the steel industry.

It says the blast furnaces at the Tata plant in the Netherlands is being kept open and that in Germany more steel is being produced at a single plant the entire UK industry.

Unite Wales regional secretary Peter Hughes said its members would “not be intimidated into standing by”.

“Our members have their union’s absolute support in striking to stop these cuts – Unite is backing them every step of the way,” he added.

Sky News has asked Tata Steel for its response to the strike action.

Related posts:

UK reports 58 COVID deaths and 4,715 cases in last 24 hours What is the law on migrant crossings and what is Priti Patel trying to change? UK records 335 more coronavirus-related deaths and 109,133 new cases, daily figures show Mother suffering from severe mental illness admits killing two-year-old son Prince Andrew arrives with Queen at Prince Philip’s memorial service Fingerprints ‘confirm identity’ of man accused of rape and faking his own death, court told Inflation expected to return to double figures – as new chancellor finds ways to claw back funds At least 45 baby deaths could have been avoided at two Kent hospitals COVID families accuse inquiry of ‘doubling down’ on racism decision Titan sub investigators ‘taking precautions’ in case bodies found on sea floor NHS ‘trailing behind other major nations on life expectancy’ Shoplifting up 25% in the past year