Workers fear for future of Coryton refinery (From Echo)

Workers fear for future of Coryton refinery

6:00am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Basildon By Melissa Hills

WORRIED workers spoke of their fears for the future of the giant Coryton oil refinery with Essex’s Euro-MP Richard Howitt.

The Labour politician met with a group of workers from the plant, which supplies 20 per cent of fuel in the south east, at Pegasus Sports and Social Club, Herd Lane, Corringham.

Coryton, off the Manorway, Stanford-le-Hope, has been in crisis since its Swiss owner Petroplus filed for bankruptcy, threatening up to 1,000 jobs.

The workers spoke about pensions, the feelings of the workers at the plant and their hopes Cortyon will be bought by a reputable firm.

Russell Jackson, who has worked at Coryton for 30 years as a product controller and is the Unite branch chairman, said: “We all really committed workers at the plant and we all feel there is a future for the Coryton.

“There is a positive feeling that if a reputable buyer is found then we have got a fighting chance. For years Coryton has been saddled with debt and this might be the chance for the plant to break free out on its own and see if it can survive.

“We feel the receivers are being honest with us and we are all trying our best to work as hard as we can in the situation we have got.”

Mr Howitt met last week with the European Energy Commissioner and administrators currently overseeing the running of Coryton to discuss the crisis.

He said after the meeting: “There is a risk 1,000 jobs could be lost in my constituency and I am genuinely concerned for the future of Coryton.

“It has been very helpful to meet with some of the workers and talk about their thoughts and feelings.

“I have been in talks with BP and I hope that will be helpful in bringing in more crude oil shipments.

“I will be doing all I can in the coming weeks to help the workers.”