A UNION has called on Theresa May’s Government to steer the UK and Wales away from the ever increasing prospect of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit outcome.

Unite Wales officials along with Mark Drakeford AM, who is responsible for leading the Welsh Government’s Brexit negotiations, met with Airbus managers at their Broughton site to discuss the challenges facing Airbus’ UK business, including the ongoing Brexit uncertainty.

Peter Hughes, Unite Wales regional secretary, said: “Many of the flagship manufacturing companies we work with in Wales have given their views on the dangers that come with a bad Brexit.

“Airbus itself has very clearly outlined the massive disruption that would impact its business if the UK leaves the single market and customs union without a transition deal.

“These warnings have been echoed by Ford and many other of our key manufacturers in Wales.”

Mr Hughes said: “The Tory Brexiteers have foolishly written off these warnings as false prophecies and continued to argue for a hard Brexit, even if this means ‘no deal’.

“Hopefully the grim reality will have dawned upon them this week, with the announcement that Schaeffler is closing its Llanelli plant.

“The Schaeffler announcement is clear evidence that Brexit is already damaging our economy. The company pointed to Brexit as being a key driver behind their decision.”

Mr Hughes said the ramifications of a ‘no deal’ scenario for Welsh manufacturing could be “truly disastrous”.

“You are potentially looking at unprecedented job losses in the tens of thousands that would devastate huge areas of our country,” he said.

“The damage it could cause to the Welsh economy would be very difficult, if not impossible, to recover from.”

Prof Drakeford, who is hoping to be the next First Minister of Wales, said: “The failure of the UK Government to agree a Brexit deal has created huge uncertainty for businesses in Wales.

“That’s why it is critical for me to meet with Airbus management and workers, as well as other major employers, to discuss how we can bolster their industries in Wales against a potential hard-line, crash-out Brexit.

“Protecting jobs and creating good quality new ones is at the heart of my plan for the economy.

“We are at the mercy of powerful economic forces, but we are far from powerless.

“Manufacturing, steel production, automotive and aerospace are just some of the sectors which are vital to the healthy economic outlook of Wales and I will lead on an industrial strategy which will build on the success of these sectors.

Hannah Blythyn AM, who chair the Unite group of Labour AMs, said: “I’ve worked closely with representatives from the manufacturing industry over a number of years and their concerns should not be ignored.

“Protecting high-skilled jobs and ensuring Wales’ economy is not impacted must be at the heart of any negotiations and this will not be achieved with a catastrophic ‘no deal’ Brexit.”