THE Mossmorran task force, aimed at supporting over 400 workers facing redundancy, met for the first time on Wednesday.

In November, ExxonMobil announced it would close the Fife Ethylene plant in February, putting the livelihoods of 429 workers at risk in a sector still reeling from last year’s closure of Grangemouth oil refinery.

Before Christmas, a Fife Council-led task force was announced, bolstered earlier this month with a pledge of £9 million over three years in the Scottish government’s draft budget.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This is a worrying time for the workforce at Mossmorran and they rightly expect urgent action.

“Today’s meeting is an opportunity to engage with the government, Fife Council, unions and local partners to agree how we best support individuals impacted by ExxonMobil’s decision.”

A government spokesperson said: “We have already engaged with the Office for Investment to find a buyer for the site and have had encouraging levels of interest.

“We are determined that the Mossmorran site and its dedicated workforce have the best possible chance of a successful future.”