<p>Support for Small Businesses</p>

Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure – in the Senedd at 1:41 pm on 5 October 2016.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 1:41, 5 October 2016

Can I thank the Member for her question and say that my sympathies go to all those affected by this morning’s news? We are doing everything we can to support the entire steel industry in Wales, and we’ve previously engaged with this company. We’ve offered the company access to Welsh Government initiatives, including the apprenticeship scheme, which is run by Coleg Gwent, the knowledge transfer partnership and the Graduate Opportunities Wales scheme, as well as the Sell2Wales initiative. Despite several attempts by both my own officials and Newport City Council to meet to discuss possible avenues of support, I’m afraid to say that the company’s been reluctant to meet. Careers Wales and Jobcentre Plus are contacting the company to see what assistance can be offered. I will also be meeting with the general secretary of Unite the Union tomorrow to discuss this matter, and I’ll be contacting the administrators to urge them to liaise with the trade unions.