This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Executive response to BP job losses
14/11/2001
Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Wendy Alexander today outlined her commitment to ensure those affected by BP's announcement of job losses at Grangemouth are helped to find alternative employment as quickly as possible.
The company yesterday announced up to 1,000 redundancies following a restructuring exercise at the petrochemicals plant.
Ms Alexander convened a meeting involving the local MP and MSPs, council leader, trade union representatives and executives of local public agencies.
Ms Alexander said:
"Any job losses are regrettable. Our main concern must be to try to ensure that everything possible is done to help those affected find alternative employment. Those leaving have good skills and BP have given a commitment to investigate redeployment opportunities within the BP Group.
"We are developing a robust action plan to broaden and enhance the local economy. That will include:
- assisting the development of new business ventures;
- reusing some building and land for light industry;
- providing specialist advice and information for new and existing businesses; and
- the provision of skills training for future jobs.
"Under the Executive's Partnership Action for Continuing Employment Framework, a BP response team has been formed. This team will ensure a rapid response from local agencies to offer advice, support and guidance on retraining/upskilling and employment opportunities. A centre will be opened on site.
"The type of support offered will be tailored to meet individual needs and local circumstances.It will include full job centre services, one to one counselling, comprehensive information packs, access to high-quality customised training, seminars on skills such as CV writing and starting up a business, access to IT facilities, and job fairs.
"I have asked the rapid response team that is set up this week to provide me with regular up-dates on progress.
"The company has explained to me that it is committed to a strong future for the Grangemouth site. Whilst it regrets the loss of jobs, these changes are necessary to allow the site to compete effectively in the future and to cope with the world-wide downturn in the chemical industry."