Mossmorran stops production after 40 years with jobs at risk

Production has ended at the Mossmorran chemical works in Fife after the owner ExxonMobil said it was losing a million pounds a week.

The decision comes less than a week since the first meeting of a task force set up to support the 400 workers whose jobs have been put at risk.

Now the site will be fully decommissioned with the process expected to be completed by early 2028, the company said.

It is understood the cease in operations has no impact on the neighbouring Shell site but the ethane they produce, which previously went to the ExxonMobil site, will now be sent to the national gas grid.

Unite the union has slammed the decision to "prematurely" close the plant and blamed the "failure" of UK government ministers to prevent the loss of hundreds of highly skilled jobs.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said it would be "difficult news" for the workforce and the Scottish government was doing "all it can" to support them.

She added: "I have written to worker representatives to assure them of our support and to ExxonMobil to ask that the workforce is prioritised.

"We have committed £9m over three years to mitigate the impacts of the plant's closure, with our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment providing skills and employability support to workers.

"This funding will also support the site's long-term future, with Scottish Enterprise identifying new investment opportunities."

A spokesperson for ExxonMobil said: ''After more than 40 years of operations, Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) permanently shut down production on 2 February.

"In the months ahead the plant will be fully decommissioned and made safe for dismantling. We anticipate this process to be completed by early 2028.''

The UK government has also been approached for comment.

According to Unite, around 400 jobs are connected to the Ethylene plant, which produces materials critical to many everyday products, including manufacturing plastics, medical equipment and car parts.

As well as those in manufacturing, workers affected include those with roles in construction, repair and maintenance.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is another nail in the coffin of the oil and gas industry, with jobs haemorrhaging on this government's watch.

"ExxonMobil's decision to close Mossmorran ahead of schedule is a disgrace and a betrayal of its workers.

"This is an enormously profitable multi-billion pound company and this unnecessary decision will have a devastating impact on the local community in Fife."