Unite the union has said that the Coryton fuel refinery insolvency needs united action to find new owner.
The refinery, which is owned by Swiss-based Petroplus, supplies 20% of the fuel supply for the south east of England. Petroplus announced this morning (24 Jan) that is was filing for insolvency for the refinery, placing some 1000 jobs at risk.
Unite has reported that it is in constant dialogue with the owners of Coryton fuel refinery and the UK government to safeguard the Essex fuel refinery. It will meet the workforce on Thursday to update them on the situation.
Speaking this morning, Linda McCulloch, Unite’s national officer said: “1000 jobs are at risk but we firmly believe that joint action by the owners and government can help secure the business. We are in constant dialogue about solutions to these developments with Petroplus and its Swiss owners, as well as the UK government.
Ms McCulloch added: “We are stressing to the workers that their interests are our absolute priority. It is vital that these negotiations are conducted in an atmosphere of calm to allow the best buyer to be found for the site.”
