Tees jobs hit by a double threat

Jul 3 2009 by Jez Davison, Evening Gazette

Garlands is also looking to “ramp up” its work with a major multinational customer and said it hoped to reveal other new business wins “in the very near future”.

Meanwhile, fears are growing for the jobs of around 200 Teesside oil refinery workers after their employer Petroplus announced it was in talks to discuss their future.

The massive Swiss firm began reviewing the fate of the North Tees plant in February after its finances plunged £528.4m into the red after a volatile year in the global oil markets.

It has been looking for a buyer for the site but has so far been unsuccessful. Managers have been considering options including turning it into a fuel store, which would employ only around 25 workers.

In May Petroplus said it “discontinued the purchase of crude oil” at the site at the end of March adding the site was in a safe shutdown mode.

Petroplus said: “The Teesside Refinery is currently under strategic review and Petroplus is committed to a smooth transition for the site.

“Several options are under consideration including the potential sale of the refinery or conversion to a terminal or storage facility.

“Petroplus is now entering a consultation process with employee representatives to discuss the future of the local workforce.

“This is a continuing part of the strategic evaluation of alternatives.”

The Unite union said it was keen to work with management to help the workforce. Regional officer Bob Bolam added: “Clearly this is a sad day as they might be pulling out of Teesside.”

He added: “Obviously the workers are concerned and we will be doing everything we can to encourage the company to consider an alternative use for the site.”