Scottish Government urged to take ‘decisive action’ and save nearly 400 Grangemouth jobs

A union has called on the Scottish Government to take “decisive action” to save nearly 400 jobs at risk at a chemical firm in Grangemouth.

Syngenta, which is owned by the Chinese state company Sinochem, announced on Thursday, October 1, that it has started formal consultations with trade unions and affected staff.

A total of 377 workers are set to be affected by the move.

Unite the Union leaders said on Tuesday they have met with Syngenta, along with the UK and Scottish governments, in an effort to protect operations at the site.

“Unite has met with representatives of Syngenta following the company’s proposal to cease operations in Grangemouth at the end of 2027 with the loss of 377 jobs”, Scott Foley, Unite industrial officer, said.

“This proceeds several meetings held with the Scottish government where we pressed the urgency of the situation, and demanded that decisive action be taken by ministers to protect operations at the site.

Hundreds of jobs could be lost in the area STV News

“We have requested a detailed explanation of the economic case for closure from Syngenta along with the disclosure of other relevant financial information. Further meetings are scheduled with Syngenta where we will press the case for a pause in the closure plans until every option is fully explored.

“Unite is fully committed to supporting our members at Syngenta and those employed within the contractor base and wider supply chain. We will leave no stone unturned in the effort to secure the most positive outcome for our members, and their families.”

Brian Leishman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, previously urged the Prime Minister to “do the right thing” and save the site.

“Come to Grangemouth, Prime minister, speak to my constituents, listen to me, let’s build Grangemouth for the future”, he told STV News.

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.

‘Committed to constructive consultation’

Syngenta said it had been undertaking a detailed review of the Grangemouth plant and found it to be “significantly more expensive” to operate than its other production sites.

The announcement came just over a year after the firm received more than £2m Scottish Enterprise funding, which was to be used towards a project to expand production at its local site.

However, the company has said it would pay back the sum in full if the site closes.

Syngenta said they remain committed to considering alternative options for the site going forward.

Mike Hollands, Syngenta Crop Protection’s global head of production and supply and president of Syngenta UK, said: “The workforce at Grangemouth is highly skilled and passionate but, despite all efforts, we have not been able to make the Grangemouth site competitive compared to alternative supply options.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we make this proposal, but we are committed to a constructive consultation and will continue to consider options as part of that process.”