The Mossmorran manufacturing facility in Fife, Scotland, has ceased operations permanently after more than 40 years, a move that directly endangers 400 local jobs and has ignited significant political and community concern.
A Sudden End to Decades of Operation
ExxonMobil, the plant's owner, confirmed the permanent shutdown of production at the Fife Ethylene Plant on February 2. The site, which processed North Sea gas for industrial and domestic power needs, will now enter a decommissioning phase expected to last until early 2028, after which it will be dismantled. The company informed its workforce of the decision to close the site ahead of its original schedule back in November, leaving employees and the local community facing an uncertain future.
Political Fallout and Worker Betrayal Allegations
The closure has drawn sharp criticism from union leaders and opposition figures. Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, labelled the decision "a disgrace and a betrayal," accusing the "enormously profitable multi-billion pound company" of delivering a devastating blow to the Fife community. She framed it as part of a wider crisis, stating it represents "another nail in the coffin of the oil and gas industry, with jobs haemorrhaging on this Government's watch."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously highlighted the plant's financial struggles, noting it was losing approximately £1 million per week. In response, a Government spokesperson defended their actions, asserting that "every reasonable avenue" to support Mossmorran had been explored. They emphasised ongoing engagement with the sector to support workers and seek a viable future for the site.
Support Packages and Future Prospects
In an effort to mitigate the impact, the Government has committed to ensuring all affected workers receive a job interview at the Grangemouth cracker facility. Additionally, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced a £9 million support package spread over three years specifically designed to cushion the economic blow of the plant's closure on the local area.
The shutdown of Mossmorran marks a significant moment for UK manufacturing and energy infrastructure, raising urgent questions about industrial transition, job security in traditional sectors, and corporate responsibility in communities dependent on major employers.
