Full Breakdown
Job Losses at Lindsey Oil Refinery Amid Ownership Transition
3/31/2026, 11:19:17 AM
Overview of the Situation
The Lindsey Oil Refinery in North Killingholme, which went out of business following the collapse of its owner Prax in June 2025, is set to see further job losses. The Insolvency Service has announced that 74 workers will be made redundant effective March 31, 2026, adding to the 124 employees who were laid off in October 2025. The refinery is in the process of being acquired by Phillips 66, which operates the adjacent Humber Refinery.
Transition to Phillips 66
As part of the transition, Phillips 66 has committed to interviewing all current employees who meet the qualifying criteria, with 100 former Prax workers already receiving job offers. The Official Receiver has retained 58 employees to assist with the site’s operations until the sale is finalized, expected to occur in April 2026. However, Phillips 66 has indicated that it does not plan to restart refining operations at the Lindsey site.
Worker Perspectives
David Cook, a 63-year-old pipe fitter who has worked at the refinery for 14 years, expressed his sadness as he prepared for his final shift. He described the experience as "very enjoyable" and noted the emotional toll of leaving a workplace that felt like a "work family." Cook acknowledged the shock of Prax's administration and shared concerns about finding new employment at his age, stating, "It's 20 odd years since I've looked for a job."
Official Statements & Responses
Energy Minister Michael Shanks emphasized the government's commitment to the affected workers, stating that their "first priority is the workers." He highlighted the funding of a Training Guarantee for refinery employees to ensure they acquire necessary skills for future employment. Shanks confirmed that Phillips 66's commitment to interviewing current staff reflects a proactive approach to mitigate the impact of the refinery's closure.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the support measures, there are concerns among workers about the adequacy of the transition plan. Some employees feel uncertain about their job prospects and the timing of the layoffs, particularly for older workers like Cook, who may face challenges in securing new positions in a competitive job market.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Insolvency Service has confirmed the job losses and the transition to Phillips 66, details regarding the exact timeline for the completion of the sale and the future of the refinery operations remain unclear. Phillips 66's spokesperson has stated that the deal is pending completion, subject to regulatory clearances, leaving some uncertainty for the workers involved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You've got your families at home and stuff like that, but you've got your work family.” — David Cook, Pipe Fitter
- “Without this intervention, all employees would have been left without a job, at no notice, at the point the company was wound up in June 2025.” — Insolvency Service Spokesperson
The situation at the Lindsey Oil Refinery highlights the challenges faced by workers during corporate transitions and the importance of support systems in mitigating job losses.
