Hundreds of jobs at risk as ExxonMobil to close Mossmorran chemical plant in Fife
Workers at the Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran have been told it will close in February, with 400 jobs at risk
UK government ministers have been urged to step in and save more than 400 jobs at risk from the threatened closure of an industrial plant.
SNP Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes urged the Labour administration at Westminster to use "levers for an industrial intervention" to save the Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran.
She cited the UK Government nationalising British Steel in Scunthorpe of an example of how it could be done.
The ExxonMobil plant – which produces the base material for plastics – is expected to shut in February. The decision puts more than 400 jobs at risk, including 180 staff at the factory and 200 contractors.
Ms Forbes told MPs on Tuesday evening: "It's clear that the levers for an industrial intervention, as we've seen in other UK nations like England in Scunthorpe and Wales, lie with the UK Government.
"I believe that it is crucial that UK ministers consider what more they can do for the workers at the plant that can take urgent action, overdue action, to address the high cost of energy, which is slowly crippling industry."
Ms Forbes also said the UK government had been in discussions about the plant's future since May.
She said: "ExxonMobil informed me on Monday, November 17 - yesterday. This decision followed a formal marketing exercise to seek a buyer for the plant, but no viable offer has been received.
"I was first made aware of the business that was exacted on the marketing side on November 11.
"I understand that discussions have been underway with the UK Government since April 2025."
Her call came after SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn asked earlier in the day if the UK government would step in to save the plant.
He said in the House of Commons: "On this government's watch Grangemouth has shut, oil and gas jobs are being pushed off a cliff, and in the last 20 minutes it has been announced that 400 jobs are to be lost at the Mossmorran plant back home in Scotland.
"The company blames the UK government's policy environment. Now, they stepped in to save jobs at the steelworks in Scunthorpe."Are they going to intervene to save jobs in Scotland?"
Robert Deavy, a senior organiser for trade union GMB, which represents contractors on the site, called for politicians to put together a “planned and measured” transition.
“This is more grim news for workers, their families and communities but exactly how much more bad news is needed before ministers protect jobs and our country’s energy security? How many dominoes have to fall?
“Our members do not need more politicians wringing their hands or making more speeches promising just transitions. There is nothing just about what is going on and there is no transition.
“We need politicians willing to finally stand up and demand an industrial strategy that protects the UK’s crucial oil and gas while actually delivering a planned and measured transition instead of the economic carnage unfolding day by day.”
ExxonMobil blamed “the UK’s current economic and policy environment” for the closure.
In a statement, the firm said: “We plan to shut down our Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) in February 2026, subject to a full employee consultation.
“We considered various options to continue production and tested the market for a potential buyer, but the UK’s current economic and policy environment combined with market conditions, high supply costs and plant efficiency do not create a competitive future for the site
“FEP has been a cornerstone of chemical production in the UK for 40 years, and its closure reflects the challenges of operating in a policy environment that is accelerating the exit of vital industries, domestic manufacturing, and the high-value jobs they provide.
“We understand and regret the impact this will have on our loyal and valued workforce, contractors and local communities.
“Our priorities are now to support our people through this challenging period, while ensuring continued safe operations through to end of production.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said the closure was a "commercial decision" and said his focus would be on "supporting the workforce in the months ahead”.
He said: "This is an incredibly difficult time for the Mossmorran workers and their families.
"The UK Government has explored every reasonable avenue to support the site, but the closure decision is ultimately a commercial one for Exxon, a company which is facing significant global challenges.
"Our focus now must be on supporting the workforce in the months ahead."
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is utterly disgraceful that a highly profitable company such as ExxonMobil has forced through this decision, which will have a huge impact on the local community.
"ExxonMobil must withdraw the closure threat and enter into meaningful negotiations with all key players to ensure the future of the plant and jobs."
Cowdenbeath SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing described ExxonMobil’s plans as “very concerning indeed”.
She said: “Losing the plant will be a huge jobs blow to my constituency and to the wider economy across Fife and Scotland.
“I will be seeking meetings with ExxonMobil, the Scottish Government and the UK Government – they need to work together and see what can still be done to avert this dreadful outcome.”
She added: “The biggest and most direct impact will, of course, be on those who are losing their jobs, and I know that there will be a great deal of anger, uncertainty and fear for the future out there.
“ExxonMobil must not simply walk away from their responsibilities to those who are losing their jobs and I want to hear how they intend to work – alongside both the Scottish and UK Governments – to help those who have just had the rug pulled out from under them.”
Scottish Labour MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy Melanie Ward said: “It is devastating that ExxonMobil is to close the Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran. I’m furious that contract workers appear to have been locked out of the site this morning. News reaching me suggests that Exxon staff, many of whom have decades of service, have been told they will lose their jobs, but have no idea of the redundancy package they will receive.
“This follows months of attempts to engage with the company in good faith, during which they have not been forthcoming about their intentions or about what Government could do to save the plant and the jobs.
“ExxonMobil has not responded to my requests for clarity. I am in close touch with the Business Secretary and Scottish Secretary to ensure that all options for the plant are fully explored.
“I am in regular contact with the GMB and Unite unions, as they continue to assist workers affected by this decision. Constituents who are in need of support should contact my office and we will do all we can to assist.”
Earlier this year, the oil refinery at Grangemouth closed its doors after more than a century in operation, with operator Petroineos citing soaring costs.
More than 400 jobs were lost at the central belt site, leaving both the Scottish and UK Governments scrambling to first protect the workforce and subsequently to secure other work.
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