Coryton oil refinery in Essex is closing, which will involve the loss of 800 jobs. This is a profit-making concern which has provided 20% of the supply of petrol and diesel in London and the south east. It is the only refinery in the south east.
The government has no interest in this refinery as it is small fry and its decline has been relatively silent.
But it accounts for the majority of the employment in Canvey Island and south Essex. It has been brought down by the debt and bankruptcy of its parent company.
There are people working there who have lost pensions and are close to retirement age. Many will never find work again.
There are also contractors there who are not included in the calculated 800 job losses and have also lost money.
The government ignores this and the fact that it could be a profit-making concern again.
