Fife Council, the UK and Scottish Governments met with business leaders and unions today (Monday) to discuss support for the workforce and local communities affected by the planned closure of Fife’s Ethylene Plant, announced by ExxonMobil last week.

The meeting at Fife House, Glenrothes, brought together Fife Council Leader Cllr David Ross, Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander MP, Minister for Public Finance Ivan McKee MSP, local business leaders, and trade unions.

Discussions focused on how best to support affected workers and mitigate the impact of the closure on contractors, the supply chain, local communities and the wider Fife economy.

Fife Council Leader Cllr David Ross welcomed the quick response from everyone involved: “A united approach to this issue is vital and I welcome everyone round the table today. We are calling for a pause to the closure to ensure that we can all do the very best for all those involved.

“I was deeply disappointed by ExxonMobil’s decision to close the Mossmorran plant, putting the jobs of around 180 staff, 250 contractors, and many more in the supply chain and local economy at risk. It’s a devastating blow to the dedicated workforce, their families, and the wider communities who have supported this facility for decades.

“We are already working with the appropriate agencies to engage with employees at the plant, but I think it is essential that we start to look very quickly at the wider impact on the local economy and supply chain. I was particularly keen to get a perspective from some of our larger Fife businesses and the trade unions to get their insight into the likely opportunities for redeployment, training and retraining requirements and their assessment of pressures on the supply chain.

“I am very pleased that senior members of the UK and Scottish Governments were able to join us today and that there is a commitment to collaborate to address the impacts on employees and local communities

“I hope that ExxonMobil will engage fully with these efforts as we move forward.

“Fife Council will work with all partners to explore future opportunities for the site and for the wider Fife economy and the council stands ready to do everything within its power to support those affected and to secure a positive future for the area.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander MP: “Today was a constructive and purposeful discussion: it was the ‘Team Scotland’ approach the workforce deserve. I was grateful to Fife Council for convening the meeting to discuss the closure of the plant. The Council brought together the UK Government, Scottish Government, Fife College, trade unions and major Fife employers. 

“I confirmed that I have raised with the UK Government’s Office for Investment my goal that it would help broker any possible buyer of the Mossmorran facility.

“The Mossmorran plant and its operation was, rightly, the focus of our discussion at this time. But I also welcome Babcock’s willingness to explore whether, in time and if required, they could employ some of the skilled workers from Mossmorran.”

Minister for Public Finance Ivan McKee MSP said: “We are working with the UK Government and Fife Council to achieve a positive outcome for workers and will do what we can to ensure the focus remains on them and the wider community affected by the closure at Mossmorran.

“The Deputy First Minister is visiting Mossmorran tomorrow and meeting with both workers and trade unions to consider what further steps we can take to mitigate the impact of this decision.”

FC press release.