‘Am I going to be homeless in June?’: Port Talbot workers fear return to 1980s

The closure of the Port Talbot plant in south Wales will send economic shockwaves through the region. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

Jonathan James is in full flow, reminiscing about his family’s history at the Port Talbot steelworks, when his composure suddenly breaks.

“Everyone worked in the steelworks from a young age,” the 42-year-old says, as his voice starts to crack with emotion. “I remember my father coming home from work on his Honda Link moped and rocking up in the smell with the smell of coke ovens on his clothes. It’s been a massive part of my life – growing up, as well as when I finally started working there.”