Commenting on the announcement by ExxonMobil on the expected
closure of the Fife Ethelyne Plant, Deputy First Minister said:
“The news of the expected closure of the Fife Ethelyne Plant and
the loss of such high value jobs is a very significant blow to
Scotland's economy. I am extremely disappointed by the sudden
news of this commercial decision by ExxonMobil after failing to
find a buyer.
“I have met with the business on a number of occasions and
expressed my deep concern about the impact this announcement will
have on the dedicated workforce, as well as the contractors and
supply chain companies whose employment relies on the site.
“The Scottish Government will do all that we can to support the
workers at this time and I, along with the Partnership Action for
Continuing Employment (PACE) support team, will be meeting with
worker representatives and trade unions to assure them of our
support.
“I will also set up a task force which will include a range of
stakeholders to urgently consider any actions that the Scottish
Government, with the limited economic powers we hold, could take
to mitigate the impact of this decision.
“However, it is clear that the levers for an industrial
intervention, as we have seen in other UK nations like England
and Wales, lie with the UK Government.
"UK Ministers must consider what more they can do for the workers
at the plant, and take urgent action to address the high cost of
energy which is slowly crippling industry – to help support the
sector and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.”
