Labor union calls on Scottish government to step in regarding Argent Energy’s planned closure

In the UK, UK labor union Unite is calling on the Scottish government to ‘step in now’ as 75 jobs are at risk following the announcement by Argent Energy that it plans to close its biodiesel plant in Newarthill. The union responded to the latest green jobs setback in Scotland as Argent Energy confirmed its plans to mothball its North Lanarkshire plant by May 31 following a brief consultation period, while its other plants in Ellesmere Port, England, and the port of Amsterdam, Holland, are set to remain open.

The company supplies biodiesel to Stagecoach England, Metroline buses in London, and Eddie Stobart along with oil and gas companies including Shell and BP who blend its products with conventional diesel.

Unite which represents workers at Argent Energy has demanded government action stating funding streams including the Scottish government’s £500m just transition fund and low emission scheme grants must be urgently explored to keep the plant open.