Council leader welcomes refinery deal – but warns certainty for workers must come next

The leader of North Lincolnshire Council has cautiously welcomed news that Phillips 66 has agreed a deal to acquire assets at the Lindsey Oil Refinery, but says further assurances are now needed from Government to protect jobs, contractors and the long-term interests of the area.

The agreement follows the liquidation of the company behind the refinery and a bidding process overseen by the Official Receiver. Under the deal, Phillips 66 plans to integrate assets from Lindsey into its neighbouring Humber operations. Around 250 staff have had their jobs guaranteed until the end of March.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said the announcement marked an important step forward after months of uncertainty – but stressed it must not be the end of the conversation.

He said: “This is good news in what has been an incredibly difficult period for workers, their families and the wider community.

“It is positive that a serious investor with a strong track record in the UK is stepping in, and Phillips 66 is a respected local employer with a long-standing presence here in North Lincolnshire.

“But this is only part of the picture. There is more to do, and there are still important questions that need clear answers.”

Cllr Waltham met with the minister today to press for further reassurance. He said: “I have been clear with ministers that we now need certainty – that includes clear commitments on employment for existing staff, clarity on any potential TUPE rights, and a better understanding of what this deal means for contractors who rely on the site for work.

“We also need greater transparency about exactly which assets have been acquired and what that means for future use of the site and surrounding infrastructure.”

Cllr Waltham added: “This is a positive step, but the stakes remain high and Government cannot step back at this point – these are skilled, high-quality jobs that matter to families in Lincolnshire and to the country’s energy resilience.

“Protecting that capability and avoiding further loss of fuel capacity must now be a priority, with Government fully engaged in what comes next.”

The post Council leader welcomes refinery deal – but warns certainty for workers must come next appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .