A DEAL which could save steelworks in Llanwern, Port Talbot  and across the UK could be made this week, according to reports.

In March the industry was thrown into turmoil after Tata Steel announced it would sell its entire UK operation, including its large plant in Port Talbot, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

Last week the company, which employs about 7,000 people across Wales, met with unions, and it has been reported a deal to protect the future of the facilities could emerge this week.

Tata has blamed its sale plans on high energy costs and falling revenues as a result of ‘dumping’ of cheap steel on the UK market.

The sale process was put on hold in the summer after Tata opened talks with a German firm around a joint enterprise, but no further information about this has been made available.

It is believed any deal would involve the company’s pension scheme, which some have said has been putting off potential buyers.

Tata has declined to comment.