A new taskforce focused on supporting workers facing redundancy at the Mossmorran facility in Fife convened for its inaugural meeting today. The closure of the Fife Ethylene Plant, scheduled for next month, threatens more than 400 jobs, as confirmed by its owner, ExxonMobil. The energy giant announced that the plant’s operations are no longer economically viable, and efforts to sell the facility have been unsuccessful.
The Scottish government has committed £9 million over the next three years to assist affected workers and the local community. This funding is part of a broader strategy led by Fife Council to understand and address the needs stemming from the plant’s impending shutdown.
Government Responses and Worker Support Initiatives
Ahead of the meeting, which was attended by Business Minister Richard Lochhead, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes emphasized the urgency of the situation. “This is a worrying time for the workforce at Mossmorran, and they rightly expect urgent action,” she stated. Forbes had previously met with worker representatives to assure them of the government’s commitment to providing support.
“This meeting provides an opportunity to collaborate with the UK government, Fife Council, unions, and local partners to determine how best to assist individuals affected by ExxonMobil’s decision,” she added. The Scottish government is utilizing its Partnership Action for Continuing Employment initiative to offer skills and employability support for displaced workers.
In response to the situation, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander indicated that the UK government would not intervene to prevent the plant’s closure. He assured workers of ongoing support, highlighting the financial losses incurred by the plant, which were reported to be around £1 million per week, as noted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Challenges and Future Prospects for the Site
ExxonMobil’s chairman, Paul Greenwood, attributed part of the plant’s closure to UK government policies. He pointed to the government’s decision not to issue new licenses for North Sea oil and gas exploration, which he argued has led to increased ethylene prices. He further cited windfall and emissions taxes as contributing factors to the plant’s high operating costs.
A spokesperson for the UK government stated, “Today’s meeting is just the start of a process to support the Mossmorran workers and find a viable future for the site.” They assured that collaboration with Fife Council, the Scottish government, and other partners is underway to explore future options.
The spokesperson also mentioned that the government has already facilitated job opportunities for the workforce at the Grangemouth site, which is receiving millions in investment. “We are actively engaging with the UK government’s Office for Investment to find a buyer for the site and have had encouraging levels of interest,” the spokesperson added.
The taskforce’s first meeting marks a critical step in addressing the significant challenges faced by workers and the local community as they navigate the implications of the Mossmorran plant’s closure.
