The owners of the Grangemouth petrochemical plant have confirmed it will stay open, saving thousands of jobs.
The union Unite initially advised workers to reject a rescue plan involving redundancies, pay freezes and changes to pensions. But the union has today accepted Grangemouth owner Ineos’s survival plan in the face of the imminent closure of the plant.
Grangemouth chairman Calum MacLean said today: “Today’s U-turn means Grangemouth now has an excellent future.”
Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe said: “This is a victory for common sense.” Ineos said the decision would save 800 jobs and 2,000 contractor positions.
Unite Scottish Secretary Pat Rafferty said: “Today’s news is tinged with sadness. Decent men and women are being asked to make sacrifices to hold on to their jobs. Unite has worked tirelessly to save Grangemouth because we are committed to this plant.”
