A NEW initiative to support some 350 workers at risk of redundancy following ExxonMobil’s decision to close its Mossmorran plastics manufacturing plant was welcomed by the Scottish Greens today.

The Scottish government-funded scheme will see workers laid off from the site receive individual assessments of their training needs, be matched with job opportunities, and provided with tailor-made programmes of training.

Announcing it on Wednesday, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Following a specific ask for retraining and upskilling, we have been working intensely with partners at Fife College and I am pleased that analysis of the training needs for the first tranche of redundant workers is starting in the coming weeks.”

Scottish Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Mark Ruskell called for a long-term plan for the site and for more detail on how a £9 million just transition fund promised by the Scottish government “can ensure this investment delivers for workers and the community.”