UNITE union has called for the government to step in to save 400 jobs under threat from the planned closure of Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland.

Refinery owner Petroineos has blamed global competition, a shrinking market and Britain’s transition to green energy for the planned closure next year. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the closure amounted to “industrial vandalism” and called on the government to intervene with investment.

“We need public investment to come with public stakes that guarantee jobs and a long-term commitment,” she said.

“Unite will not allow a jobless transition or for net zero to create working-class wastelands.”

A spokesperson for the government’s Department for Energy Security said: “We are focused on finding a viable clean energy future for Grangemouth and have provided £100 million funding, alongside the Scottish government, to help the workforce find good, alternative jobs and invest in the community.”