MORE than half of the Murco Milford Haven refinery employees who lost their jobs when the facility closed have found new employment, the Welsh Government has said.

The sale of the former Murco refinery and three inland terminals agreed with Puma last month offered significant opportunities for joint working to maximise the longer term economic opportunities for Pembrokeshire, said Economy Minister Edwina Hart.

Updating Assembly Members following the final meeting of the Murco Taskforce, Mrs Hart said: “I am delighted to welcome Puma’s investment into Wales, their first venture into the UK and this operation represents only a part of their portfolio.

“As such there are significant opportunities for joint working with Puma and delivery partners, using the network created by the Murco Taskforce, to maximise the longer term economic opportunities for the region.”

Of those made redundant at the refinery, 57 per cent have found work, half of these are within the Pembrokeshire area, and 12 ex- Murco staff are now self employed.

The Welsh Government said this has been achieved through: • Penna delivering a series of workshops to raise awareness of the support available, including interview skills, financial planning and setting up businesses.

• Careers Wales working with individuals to make them aware of future opportunities, as they arise, such as Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.

• ReACT supporting 10 employers to employ individuals who have been made redundant.

• Business Wales Start Up supporting those interested in setting up their own business, with one company being identified as a High Potential Start Up.

• In support of the wider supply chain, the Wales Economic Growth Fund (WEGF) in Pembrokeshire has assisted 27 project applications totalling £5.1m, creating 234.5 jobs and safeguarding 196.

• Workforce Development Advisors are working with 13 of the most affected companies, providing skills needs analysis and developing training plans.

Mrs Hart added: “Pembrokeshire remains a vital part of the Welsh economy and we will continue to work tirelessly with the Haven Enterprise Zone board and delivery partners to maximise future economic benefits and continue to support people into employment. May I formally thank the Taskforce members for their work and commitment.”

Roger Evans, Chair of the Murco Taskforce, said: “The closure of the Murco refinery was a devastating blow to those employed there and the Pembrokeshire economy. However through the efforts of the Taskforce members, our partners and the support of Murco we have been able to help some of those affected. Already 57% of those made redundant have found work, half within the Pembrokeshire area, and 12 ex-Murco staff now self employed.

“The sale of the site to Puma to operate as a storage facility is good news too but there is still work to be done and a number of schemes put in place by the Taskforce will continue to support the local economy and help former employees find work.”

Stan McIlvenny, chair of the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone said: “The Murco Taskforce has laid the foundation for the local economy to recover from the closure of the Milford Haven refinery. The Enterprise Zone board will now work with the Welsh Government to ensure that progress continues. Over 500 people have attended the recent jobs fairs, the boundary of the Enterprise Zone has been expanded and a SME Business Interaction Group has been established to help local businesses increase their capacity and win new contracts.”