First Minister visited Forth Valley College
today to meet representatives of the Grangemouth oil refinery
workforce following confirmation by Petroineos that refinery
operations will end in 2025.
Joined by union representatives and members of local government,
the First Minister 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.
The Scottish and UK Governments have 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.
The First Minister 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
