Grangemouth refinery: Workers concern for their future if complex closes in 2025

Union officials from Unite have released details of a survey involving hundreds of refinery workers, including contractors, in advance of an expected Scottish government ministerial statement on the Grangemouth Refinery later today (Thursday).

The survey strongly indicates that the workforce believe there has been a collective failure to support them following the announcement by Petroineos in November last year to begin transitioning its Grangemouth refining operations.

Under the company’s initial proposals, this transition could be complete as early as next year with the site then becoming an import terminal facility only.

According to estimates, the Grangemouth complex contributes four per cent of Scottish GDP and makes up approximately eight per cent of Scotland's manufacturing base.

The survey found that 93 per cent of workers agreed that the potential impact of any potential closure on the local Grangemouth economy and that of surrounding communities would be “severe”, while 88 per cent responded saying that politicians were not doing enough to support and protect jobs at Grangemouth.

Only 11 per cent expressed "confidence” in finding a “like for like” job in the event of refinery operations ceasing at the Grangemouth site;

Only three per cent said they had confidence in the ongoing “just transition” plans for oil and gas workers.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Grangemouth workers are angry over the failure by the Scottish and UK governments to bring forward any proposals to support their livelihoods.

“Make no mistake that Unite will hold every politician to account for their inaction. We will leave no stone unturned in the fight for jobs at Grangemouth.”

Unite continues to engage with Petroineos to explore proposals which could extend the lifespan of the oil refinery’s operations, and to develop alternative energy sources at the complex.

The union has repeatedly criticised the government over the failure to establish a worker-led just transition process, and the "empty promises” issued by politicians to support industry developments including hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and biofuels.

Around 220,000 jobs remain dependent on the oil and gas industry across the UK, with 93,600 estimated to be based in Scotland.

Derek Thomson, Unite Scottish secretary, said: “Politicians at Holyrood and Westminster are hiding behind constitutional smokescreens when they should be working together to bring forward proposals which can support the Grangemouth workforce.

“There has been an alarming abdication of any political responsibility over Grangemouth which is staggering as the complex is of enormous strategic importance to the Scottish economy.

“Unite’s survey shows that the vast majority of the workforce fear for their futures and that the just transition process for them is one full of empty promises. We have asked for every option to be put on the table in order to secure hundreds of highly skilled jobs but the glaring problem remains that government ministers haven’t even put down one.”

Last week, Falkirk Council backed calls to safeguard the future of the refinery.