Hundreds of jobs to go at major Valleys employer UK Windows and Doors Group

Hundreds of jobs are to go at a major Valleys employer. In a statement, Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan said that there were "indications that over 500 jobs will be lost" at UK Windows and Doors Group, which he said has advised staff of its intention to enter administration.

The firm is based at three sites in Rhondda Cynon Taf and employs up to 700 people there. On Monday morning, staff were sent an email from CEO Matthew Scoffield telling them there would be a business update at 2pm and giving instructions to join a conference call.

Robert Edwards, Wales regional secretary for Community, said there would be a loss of around 400 jobs (a smaller figure than that given by Mr Morgan). He said: "There has been some uncertainty around the business but it has come as a shock. It is still unexpected and a massive blow for the area. We will now be working closely with Careers Wales and the Department of Work and Pensions going forward to see what we can do. We have a factory that is there and a workforce ready to go so it would be good if the administrators see the possibility of it being bought."

Mr Morgan said: “I’m really concerned to hear the news from UK Windows and Doors Group Ltd. (formerly Griffin Windows) today with indications that over 500 jobs will be lost. The local authority was given no prior notice and has been trying to speak to somebody at the company and establish the position since Friday, and this has also been the case for the Welsh Government. Both the council and Welsh Government are keen to support and help in any way we can as we want to maintain the hundreds of jobs based here in RCT and, in the days ahead, the Local Authority and Welsh Government will be working on a plan to provide as