Scottish Executive asks BP to explain Grangemouth job cuts

LONDON (CNI)--BP has been asked by Scottish Enterprise Minister Wendy Alexander to explain its decision to cut up to 1000 jobs at its Grangemouth, Scotland site at a meeting on 21 November, CNI was informed on Friday.

The meeting will be attended by local councillors, representatives from the Forth Valley Enterprise Initiative and the trades unions.

Pat Devine from the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union (AEEU) said his union still had to be convinced of the economic need for so many job cuts. He added that it was difficult to understand how BP will be able to improve safety whilst cutting 40% of its staff.

A spokesman for BP at Grangemouth said the group is committed to working with the local authorities, the unions and government representatives. BP aims to increase the opportunities for employees made redundant and to reduce a knock-on effect in the local economy, he added.