The Unite trade union has launched a scathing attack on oil giant ExxonMobil following the premature shutdown of production at its Mossmorran facility in Fife. The Fife Ethylene Plant, which was originally scheduled to cease operations later this month, ended production on Monday, prompting accusations of betrayal from union leaders.
Early Closure Sparks Union Fury
ExxonMobil announced at the end of last year that the Mossmorran plant would close, citing financial unviability and putting approximately 400 jobs at risk. However, the union claims the company accelerated the shutdown, with production halting on February 2nd instead of the planned February 16th. According to sources, an operational issue with a unit on site, requiring multiple days for repair and restart, prompted the early closure.
Unite's general secretary Sharon Graham delivered a blistering condemnation, stating: "This is another nail in the coffin of the oil and gas industry, with jobs haemorrhaging on this government's watch. ExxonMobil's decision to close Mossmorran ahead of schedule is a disgrace and a betrayal of its workers. This is an enormously profitable multi-billion pound company and this unnecessary decision will have a devastating impact on the local community in Fife."
Job Losses and Decommissioning Timeline
While no immediate redundancies occurred with Monday's production halt, the workforce reduction will proceed in phases. Sixty-nine staff are expected to leave at the end of April, with ninety employees remaining to oversee decommissioning. These remaining workers will depart in three waves, with the entire process anticipated to conclude by early 2028.
ExxonMobil confirmed that twenty staff members have opted to relocate to other parts of its UK operations. Beyond direct employees, approximately 250 contractors who worked on the site are also affected by the closure.
A company spokesman stated: "After more than 40 years of operations, Fife Ethylene Plant permanently shut down production on February 2. In the months ahead the plant will be fully decommissioned and made safe for dismantling. We anticipate this process to be completed by early 2028."
Political Reactions and Support Measures
The closure has drawn sharp responses from across the political spectrum. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes acknowledged the news would be "difficult" for workers but emphasised the Scottish Government's support efforts. "I have written to worker representatives to assure them of our support and to ExxonMobil to ask that the workforce is prioritised," she said.
The government has committed £9 million over three years to mitigate the closure's impacts, with Partnership Action for Continuing Employment providing skills and employability support. This funding will also aid Scottish Enterprise in identifying new investment opportunities for the site's long-term future.
Opposition Criticism of Government Response
Scottish Tory business spokesman Murdo Fraser described the closure as a "terrible blow" for the area and workers, criticising the Scottish Government's response timeline. "As with Grangemouth, the SNP government promised swift action to protect workers and the local community, but their task force didn't even meet until last week," he remarked.
Fraser attributed such closures to "a hostile environment for businesses, especially those connected with the oil and gas sector, created by Labour and the SNP through punitive taxes and regulations." He urged ministers to ensure "decisive action to support those affected, and not merely empty promises."
The Mossmorran shutdown represents a significant moment for Scotland's industrial landscape, highlighting tensions between energy transition pressures, corporate decisions, workforce protection, and political accountability in a region historically dependent on hydrocarbon industries.
