Unite and local MP join forces to defend Shell UK

Unite, the UK”s biggest union, and local MP Andrew Miller have joined forces to secure the future of Shell’s last UK manufacturing site in Stanlow, Cheshire.

A question mark hangs over the future of the UK Lubricant’s Centre in Stanlow – the country’s only producer of the high grade oils necessary for the defence industry – after Shell announced plans to review the site which would affect over 100 skilled UK jobs. The move is also likely to cause concern among local suppliers putting hundreds more jobs at risk, says Unite.

The MP, for Ellesmere Port and Neston has promised to raise concerns about the future of the British site with UK ministers and the impact this decision will have on local communities and UK skilled jobs.

Paul Done, Unite senior workplace representative said: “We will not standby and let over a hundred highly skilled jobs seep out of this area.

“The closure of the Stanlow site will have a devastating impact on workers and their families. And there is bound to be a knock on effect to local suppliers and the wider community – putting hundreds more jobs at risk.

“ General Motors have made a decision to invest in Vauxhall Ellesmere Port and continue to support the UK market. However, in stark contrast , Shell appear to have decided to leave the UK as far as Manufacturing and Research and Development is concerned. Shell are happy to make huge profits here, but at the same time dispose of all of their UK based Manufacturing and Research and Development operations . “

“Unite and local MP, Andrew Miller have joined forces to keep up pressure on UK ministers to do everything they can to save these highly skilled jobs.”

Shell, the global oil giant, which has seen its profits soar by 54 per cent to $18.6 billion in 2010, has already sold off its last UK refinery and announced earlier this year that it is to shut its main research and development base at Thornton, Cheshire, as part of plans to shift its operations to Germany by 2014.