INEOS cuts brutal blow for community
INEOS has announced redundancies of over 400 staff members at their Grangemouth refinery in central Scotland.
Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Greens MSP for Central Scotland, grew up just 200 yards from the refinery.
Ms Mackay said:
"This is a brutal blow for Scotland, but particularly for the community I grew up in and the workers who I know well. I know how hurt the community feels at this time; my thoughts are with everyone.
"All of us in the town know somebody who is employed directly or indirectly by the refinery. They’re the ones now suffering. Many people will be extremely worried and possibly angry about what will happen next. I am too, I feel the same.
"This is the opposite of the just transition that is needed for the site and for Grangemouth. We have known for a long time that change is needed. The workers at Grangemouth are some of the most talented and skilled anywhere in Scotland, they must be at the heart of shaping Scotland’s green industrial future. Scotland deserves better; what is happening in Grangemouth is a warning sign for the lack of government support for the just transition in Scotland.
"Our community has yet again been let down by both governments. Politicians of all parties need to step up and work with trade unions and the community to do everything they can to support local people."