http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/23/ineos-closes-grangemouth-petrochemicals-plant

About 800 workers at petrochemicals complex face axe, with fate of neighbouring oil refinery still undecided

The petrochemical plant at Grangemouth is to close following a bitter row over pay and conditions, putting 800 workers’ jobs at risk.

Owner Ineos has decided to shut the petrochemical side of the complex, which is situated next to the firm’s oil refinery.

Workers were given the grim news at a meeting with Ineos’s chairman, Calum MacLean.

In an urgent question on Grangemouth in parliament, energy and climate change secretary Ed Davey told MPs repeatedly that the government wants the plant to stay open if at all possible. It would still consider a business case to provide investment to help keep the plant running.

Davey also confirmed that detailed contingency plans have been drawn up to protect firms and customers from running out of fuel and chemical supplies.

He will meet with MPs later on Wednesday to discuss the issue in more detail.

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