The Scottish Government has unveiled a new scheme to prioritise Grangemouth refinery workers for employment in the region’s evolving green sector, following significant job losses due to the site’s closure. The Grangemouth Jobs Prioritisation Scheme, developed in partnership with Unite the Union, will require businesses receiving investment from the £25 million Just Transition Fund to give preference in recruitment to eligible workers affected by the shutdown.
First Minister John Swinney announced that supporting a transition to a low-carbon economy remains a top priority, but acknowledged the risks such a move brings for skilled workers in the oil and gas sector. “We’re taking meaningful steps to ensure our workers and communities are not left behind in the journey to net zero and that fairness and equality are at the heart of our actions,” Swinney stated, emphasising the government’s commitment to a “just transition” that keeps economic opportunity local and inclusive.
The newly introduced scheme is being delivered in partnership with Unite the Union. All recipients of Scottish Enterprise grant awards from the Just Transition Fund must prioritise former Grangemouth refinery employees when hiring for new posts. The scheme also includes a job interview guarantee for eligible workers, a first across the UK, and aims to protect the unique skills and experience of the region’s workforce as Scotland shifts towards renewable energy.
Unite’s Scottish Secretary, Susan Fitzgerald, welcomed these measures but warned that “far more needs to be done to support new jobs in greener industries.” She called for urgent delivery of promised employment opportunities and renewed investment, stressing the importance of ensuring workers are not left behind during the transition.
It is estimated that around 400 workers have been affected by the Grangemouth refinery’s closure. The government’s strategy is designed to balance Scotland’s energy transition goals with the economic needs of local communities, making certain that public investment directly benefits those who have contributed to the region’s industrial legacy.
By linking grant funding to tangible support for displaced workers, the Grangemouth Jobs Prioritisation Scheme represents an effort to maintain regional expertise and safeguard livelihoods as the sector adapts to a low-carbon future.
