OGUK, the leading representative body for the UK’s offshore oil and gas sector, has partnered with Skills Development Scotland to signpost support for oil and gas workers impacted by redundancy.

A free webinar will take place on 18 August at 10am and is open to anyone looking for support and advice on roles within the energy sector and will signpost attendees towards practical support and opportunities.

Earlier this year OGUK warned up to 30,000 jobs could be lost as the sector faces both the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its operations and the sustained low oil and gas prices.

Up to 9,000 redundancies are reported to have been made so far, with the industry engaged in discussions with the UK Government on a sector deal which could enable it to support the UK’s moves towards net zero by 2050.

OGUK today said that the webinar was one of a range of proactive measures the industry is taking to shape its future and support a recovery which also helps the sector play a full role in the energy transition.

Dr Alix Thom, OGUK’s workforce engagement and skills manager, said: “Our free webinar is open to anyone impacted by redundancy and will offer practical support as well as highlighting relevant opportunities in the wider energy industry.

“These are challenging times for all industries, and we are seeing the impact of this on people’s jobs and livelihoods nearly every day in the news.

“Though we are conscious that we will need their skills in the future as the sector recovers and embraces its role in the energy transition, we also recognise the human cost of the last four months and the need to try and help those who have applied their considerable skills on the industry’s behalf.

“While our sector is remarkably resilient, the challenges of both the pandemic and sustained low commodity prices put even further pressure on an industry that was only just beginning to emerge from the downturn.

He concluded: “We continue to work with the UK Government on developing a sector deal, and will also be putting more detailed support measures forward to help ensure that our industry can realise its full potential through the transition to a lower carbon future.”

To register to attend the on-line webinar visit the Web site (www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/employment-support-and-advice-session-tickets-115881768489)