Biofuel jobs threat

Urgent talks are being called for to seek assurances about job security, following the news that Hull-based biofuel producer Vivergo Fuels is to stop production.

Unite represents repair and maintenance staff working for two firms TEI and Doosan Babcock operating on the £350 million site of the UK’s largest bioethanol producer.

Vivergo has expressed concern about continuing uncertainty over the transport department’s renewable transport fuels obligation and how this may affect the future of the E10 ‘green’ fuel made from organic material and which is designed to cut carbon emissions.

Unite understands that its currently approximately 30 members will now concentrate on the plant’s annual maintenance programme, but the union wants to know about future employment prospects.

“We are seeking an urgent meeting with the Vivergo management about future job security for our members working on site and what the plans are going forward in the mid and longer term,” said Unite regional officer Chris Weldon.

“We also want to explore with the company the broader issue of when the plant may restart production in what is a technology for the future; how we can safeguard jobs; and what we can do to put pressure on the government for clarity on its renewable transport fuels policy.”