The representative body for the UK offshore energy sector says the decision to cut a further 250 jobs at one of the UK’s leading oil and gas operators is concerning for the wider industry and for the nation.
It comes after Harbour Energy confirmed today it has launched a review of its UK operations.
OEUK Chief Executive David Whitehouse said:
'This is a difficult time for the people, their families, and the communities affected by these job losses.
'Harbour Energy is one of the biggest oil and gas operators in the UK and it’s concerning for the wider industry that they are having to take the decision to cut a quarter of their onshore UK staff.
'There is another path – one where government policies make the most of domestic oil and gas rather than imports as we build out renewables. This is the path on which we encourage companies to invest in homegrown energy, support jobs, grow the economy and help the country on its journey to net zero.
'As the Prime Minister said this afternoon, the UK will continue to use oil and gas for decades to come. Our choice is whether we produce that oil and gas here or increasingly rely on imports.
'We must support our own workforce, with measures including issuing new oil and gas licences, enabling renewable projects and ending the Energy Profits Levy.
'The Government is currently engaging on the future of the North Sea through two major consultations. The decisions made will shape our industry and economy for decades to come. These decisions are urgent. We must get them right.'
Source: OEUK
