£9 million to boost skills and job opportunities.
Deputy First minister has set out that Scottish
Government funding will be deployed to boost skills and
employment opportunities for workers facing redundancy at
ExxonMobil's ethylene plant at Mossmorran.
Options being considered include apprenticeships, a college-led
training programme and investing in new employment opportunities
at the plant.
A taskforce led by Fife Council meets for the first time today in
response to the planned closure. The Scottish Government will use
the meeting to further understand the needs of the workforce and
local community to inform its decisions regarding the deployment
of the £9 million investment.
Deputy First Minister said:
"This is a worrying time for the workforce at Mossmorran and they
rightly expect urgent action. I met worker representatives
earlier this month to assure them that we are doing all we can to
support them and the wider community.
“We have allocated £9 million over three years in our draft
Budget to help staff and communities affected by the plant's
closure. Today's meeting is an opportunity to engage with the UK
Government, Fife Council, unions and local partners to agree how
we best support individuals impacted by ExxonMobil's decision.
"In the meantime, our Partnership Action for Continuing
Employment initiative is providing skills and employability
support for workers.”
Background
Business and Employment Minister will attend the first
meeting of the taskforce.
