Mairi McAllan blasted for ignoring Grangemouth workers as hundreds face losing their jobs

Scotland's Economy Secretary has been blasted for failing to meet with workers who could lose their jobs if the country's last remaining oil refinery is closed.

Mairi McAllan was handed responsibility by Humza Yousaf for energy, net zero and the economy as part of a beefed-up Cabinet position in early February.

But trade union Unite - one of two representing workers at the Grangemouth industrial complex - said it has been disappointed by the lack of engagement from the minister and her predecessor, Neil Gray.

Site owners Petroineos announced last year it plans to close its oil refinery by 2025 as it would "soon be unable to compete effectively" with overseas rivals.

A final closure date has still to be announced by the corporate giant and Unite is keen to build political and public support to keep the refinery open and protect its 500 staff.

Derek Thomson, the union's Scottish secretary, said: "The reality is that Unite has had minimal direct engagement with the Scottish Government over the urgent situation facing the Petroineos oil refinery at Grangemouth.

"Time is of the essence regarding the future of 500 highly skilled jobs at the refinery. It’s staggering that the Cabinet Secretary has not found the time to visit the complex and have a face to face meeting with the workforce.”

Thomson added: "We would encourage Mairi McAllan to meet with the workers on site along with Unite in order to explain how the Scottish Government is attempting to protect jobs.

"So far there is not one concrete proposal on the table despite the Grangemouth complex being the strategically most important worksite in the whole of Scotland. It simply isn’t good enough."

Petroineos – co-owned by multi-billionaire tax exile and Manchester United ­shareholder Jim Ratcliffe – plans to turn the refinery into an import depot.

Closure could have serious repercussions for energy security in the UK, while leaving Scotland as the world’s only major oil producer without refining capacity.

Both the UK and Scottish Governments have described the closure as a commercial decision outwith their control.

Petroineos has said the closure of the refinery will not impact the future of the existing petrochemical plant at Grangemouth.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The Grangemouth site and its workforce are crucial to Scotland’s economy and our transition to net zero.

"The Scottish Government is committed to working collaboratively with Petroineos, UK ministers and Unite the Union to explore the options available to accelerate new employment opportunities.

"The Cabinet Secretary and the Just Transition Minister have offered to meet Unite’s Scottish Secretary at his convenience to discuss the future of the site. Unite is represented on the Grangemouth Future Industry Board Industrial Just Transition Leadership Forum and also attended a recent Just Transition Commission roundtable in Grangemouth. Both were attended by ministers."

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