WELSH firms whose business has been adversely affected by the Japanese tsunami and earthquake are to be given financial help.

Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Skills Jeff Cuthbert has announced £4 million will be available for companies that have had to re-introduce short-time working due to the supply issues as a result of the Japanese disaster.

Caerphilly AM Mr Cuthbert said a number of businesses in the European Social Fund convergence area of Wales had been adversely affected.

"Through this support, businesses will be able to utilise any short-time working arrangements to develop the skills of the workforce,’’ he said.

"The Welsh Government is keen to support companies and workers who were competitively viable until encountering these difficulties. This scheme will enable companies to have the right training so they are in a position to respond when business improves in the future.’’ The money to firms will come from the re-opened ProAct scheme - originally launched in January 2009 to support businesses suffering from the recession that had introduced short-time working.

Since its inception, Welsh Government officials say ProAct has supported more than 10,400 individuals in more than 250 businesses and has a funding commitment of more than £27 million. The scheme closed for new applications at the end of March.

Aberdare-based Nissin Showa UK, which supplies car parts to Honda, was one of the companies benefiting from the last round of ProAct and is likely to apply again.

It received support to allow 145 employees to undertake training during a downturn.

General business manager Paul Enoch said: "ProAct allowed us to keep on staff and provide them with valuable training during a difficult time for the business. The training has allowed us to look forward with more confidence.

"Its great news this scheme will now be re-opened to assist businesses that have been affected by the Japanese earthquakes.

"Events like these cause problems to many businesses and are totally out of their hands.’’ Around 45 Japanese companies are located in Wales - employing about 9,000 people.