Support for Grangemouth workers

Workers who've been directly affected by the Grangemouth refinery closure are to receive additional targeted support.

400 people have been made redundant, with Ineos closing the site down.

The Scottish Government says they'll receive help from Forth Valley College to develop skills.

Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “It is vital that we do what we can as a government to support and promote local opportunities and growth in the Grangemouth area.

“As Scotland’s leading industrial cluster, Grangemouth has long played a vital role to our economy and bringing energy security to the country and it is only right it continues to help lead the way in our journey to net zero through new, green energy opportunities.

“This funding will help affected workers move into sectors such as offshore and onshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture.”

Minister for Energy Michael Shanks said: “We want to ensure workers directly affected by the closure of Grangemouth refinery get the tailored support they are entitled to, with over 300 already receiving advice and training to help them into new employment opportunities.

“This training guarantee will equip this highly skilled workforce to transfer their experience into new sectors as Scotland continues to lead the way in the UK’s clean energy future, alongside our ongoing work to secure long-term industrial future at the Grangemouth site.”

Unite Scottish Secretary Derek Thomson said: "The additional support for Grangemouth based workers will deliver targeted assistance for those facing redundancy due to the closure of the oil refinery. The investment by the Scottish and UK governments for retraining will provide INEOS workers with some reassurance that they are not being left behind.

"It will help support them for new job opportunities in the wider energy sector. Unite will continue to do all we can to encourage government, public bodies and companies to deliver a Just Transition for Grangemouth workers and this investment is a step forward in that campaign.”