JOHN Swinney has met with representatives of the Grangemouth oil refinery following confirmation by Petroineos that the site will cease operations in 2025.
It was confirmed on Thursday that the site will shut by next summer, with around four-fifths of the workforce being warned they could lose their jobs.
The National also reported that SNP MSP for Falkirk East Michelle Thompson said there is a “serious” prospective buyer for the site.
On Friday, joined by union representatives and members of local government, Swinney outlined the Scottish Government’s support for refinery workers and its commitment to securing a low-carbon industrial future for the site and the wider area.
He said: “I am grateful to the members of the Grangemouth workforce and trade union representatives I met today, and thank them for meeting with me at what I know is an extremely worrying time for them and their families.
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“This is a very disappointing decision – both the Scottish and UK governments have repeatedly urged Petroineos to continue refining for as long as possible, and there is no doubt that this represents an economic shock.”
The Scottish and UK governments announced a joint package of support worth £100 million, combining immediate help for affected workers with longer-term investment aimed at securing a sustainable future through the development of alternative green industries at the site and nearby.
“We have worked very closely together to come up with a significant package that will provide immediate tailored career support for affected workers at Grangemouth refinery, while longer-term projects get up and running on the site,” Swinney (below) added.
“The Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal will support the development of new industries across the region, including a bioeconomy plant; a low-carbon technology centre; and an employment hub.
"And we are taking forward at pace the work already begun through Project Willow, which has shortlisted three credible potential industries - low-carbon hydrogen, clean e-fuels and sustainable aviation fuels - that could be hosted on the refinery site in the future.
“We are in intense dialogue with the trade unions, the company and Falkirk Council and I want to reiterate my assurance that we will continue to work collaboratively with them and the UK Government to secure sustainable, skilled jobs in Grangemouth for many years to come.”
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