“Decarbonising Scotland’s economy as quickly as possible is vital, but how we do so – and who benefits – matters. Grangemouth Refinery is Scotland’s only oil refinery, and represents 8% of our manufacturing base. Its workers have a crucial role to play in Scotland's decarbonisation pathway, but today’s announcement is inconsistent with the aims of a just transition.

“Managed effectively, the transition to net zero has the potential to create more new jobs than will be lost. Where is the plan to secure a thriving future for the communities supported by Grangemouth Refinery? Where are the commitments to harness and develop the existing skills of workers in the transition, and the proactive policies to reskill and retrain workers?

“Decarbonising Scotland’s economy will involve a major restructuring of our labour market. Today’s announcement demonstrates how crucial it is that impacted communities - particularly workers and trade unions - are given a meaningful stake and say over decisions that affect them to ensure the costs and benefits of decarbonisation are fairly shared.

“The development also underscores why the transition to net zero should not be guided solely by shareholder decisions but instead should be coordinated effectively, with the shared goals of creating a new generation of well paid green jobs, raising living standards, and tackling deep-rooted inequalities.

"The Scottish and UK Governments must immediately begin talks with management, workers and trade unions to save jobs and develop a sustainable transition plan for the site.”

ENDS

[1] STV. (November 2023) Scotland's only oil refinery to shut with hundreds of jobs at risk at Grangemouth. Retrieved from https://news.stv.tv/scotland/scotlands-only-oil-refinery-to-shut-with-hundreds-of-jobs-at-risk-at-grangemouth