EXXONMOBIL’S decision to close the Mossmorran Ethylene plant was branded a “disgrace” by Unite today.

The union also blasted both Westminster and Scottish ministers for failing to prevent the loss of some 400 skilled jobs at the Fife plant.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is another nail in the coffin of the oil and gas industry, with jobs haemorrhaging on this government’s watch. 

“Unite has said repeatedly that the government should not be letting go of one rope before it has hold of another. Importing oil and gas while we offshore our carbon responsibilities is quite frankly an abdication of responsibility which makes us more vulnerable and betrays workers. 

“ExxonMobil’s decision to close Mossmorran ahead of schedule is a disgrace and a betrayal of its workers. This is an enormously profitable multibillion-pound company and this unnecessary decision will have a devastating impact on the local community in Fife.” 

The company and both governments have been contacted for comment.

Unite industrial officer Bob MacGregor said: “The Mossmorran plant closing ahead of schedule has added further insult to injury for hundreds of workers who are now worrying about their futures.

“The UK government chose to intervene at Grangemouth to support jobs in the chemicals industry but the question being asked by our members at Mossmorran is why has there been zero support for them from either the UK or Scottish government?

“We see a trail of industrial destruction being inflicted by corporations and government inaction in its wake. There has been an abject failure to protect jobs in Mossmorran, Grangemouth, Aberdeen, Shetland, Orkney and across the North Sea.”