Union representatives have slammed the government and administrator FTI Consulting over their handling of the winding down and potential sale of Lindsey Oil Refinery (LOR).
Last week, FTI made 125 employees – a third of its workforce – redundant without notice following a night shift. The next day, Gi Grimsby News exclusively revealed that a global oil giant had submitted a bid to buy the plant, pledging to save jobs, invest long-term, and increase production. However, the offer was declined.
Unite, the union representing workers at LOR, says it has “grave concerns” about the bidding process, claiming that several potential buyers who would have saved jobs have contacted them with reports of being blocked from submitting proposals.
A spokesperson for the union said there is now a widespread belief that a decision has already been made behind closed doors to favour a bid from neighbouring refinery Phillips 66 — a move that would see Lindsey converted into an import-only facility, resulting in large-scale job losses.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:“The government’s commitment to preserve jobs and support the continuation of an oil refinery at Lindsey is ringing hollow.
“Potential buyers who want to run the whole site are telling Unite that they can’t even get in the door to have their bids considered.
“Instead, it appears that one particular bidder that doesn’t want to keep the refinery running, is being favoured above all others. This all looks shady at best.”
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.