TRADE unions have welcomed a decision by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to call a summit on future support for workers at Mossmorran.

The livelihoods of over 400 workers were plunged into jeopardy last week when oil and gas giant ExxonMobil announced plans to close its ethylene plant at the Fife site in February, dealing another blow to a Scottish manufacturing base still reeling from the closure of Scotland’s last oil refinery just 25 miles away in Grangemouth earlier this year.

Last week, British business minister Chris McDonald refused calls from both SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flyn and Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth Brian Leishman to intervene.

The Scottish government however did pledge to expand the Grangemouth Taskforce to include Mossmorran.

Ahead of a visit to the plant on Tuesday, Ms Forbes called a summit, inviting ExxonMobil, GMB, Unite, Scottish Enterprise, the Westminister government, Fife Council, Fife College, and the Scottish National Investment Bank, as well as local MSPs, to assess what can be done to both support workers and secure a future for the site.

Ms Forbes said: “Our immediate priority is to explore ways to retain employment at the site and support the workforce through this period of uncertainty.

“This summit will bring together all the key stakeholders and I am keen that we consider every possible option to support the workforce at this distressing time.”

“The Scottish government and Scottish Enterprise are committed to doing all we can to support the people impacted by this and to ensure we do not lose the vital skills base of the Mossmorran workforce in Fife.”

Welcoming the move, Cliff Bowen of Unite said: “Both governments now must take decisive action to support the workforce that mitigates, and hopefully prevents, the consequences of this decision. 

“Unite members need the support of all parties to secure their future.”

GMB Scotland senior organiser Robert Deavy said: “Every possible option to protect the future of this plant must be on the table on Tuesday and pursued with absolute urgency.

“Everyone involved in these discussions must share our commitment and determination to protect these workers’ jobs and safeguard their communities in every way possible.

“Scotland cannot afford to lose the jobs, skills and industrial capability of Mossmorran and these talks must recognise that and then quickly deliver.”