Government cannot guarantee job for every laid off Grangemouth worker – Murray

In Scotland, the UK Government has stated it cannot guarantee employment for all workers facing redundancy due to the impending closure of the Grangemouth refinery, which is set to occur in the second quarter of 2025. The closure, announced by Petroineos, will result in the loss of approximately 400 jobs. In response, both the UK and Scottish Governments have initiated a £500,000 project in collaboration with Forth Valley College to provide tailored support for affected workers, focusing on skill enhancement and transition into the green energy sector. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray emphasized that while efforts are being made to secure job opportunities, the government cannot assure that every worker will find new employment. He highlighted the importance of creating favorable conditions for job seekers and minimizing job losses. The refinery's transformation into an import terminal will retain around 100 jobs, but the overall job market remains uncertain. Local MP Brian Leishman has urged the UK Government to take ownership of the site, which has been incurring significant financial losses. However, Murray dismissed nationalization as an option, stating that the government cannot manage a loss-making refinery. Instead, he called for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure a viable future for the Grangemouth site. The announcement has drawn criticism from Unite the Union, which argues that the focus should be on preserving existing jobs rather than merely providing training for non-existent positions. The union's general secretary expressed concerns about the government's ability to secure a just transition for workers in Scotland.