The Scottish Affairs Committee begin their inquiry into the
future of the oil and gas sector on Tuesday 12 June with a
session providing an overview of the health of the industry and
the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Committee will be taking evidence from trade association, Oil
& Gas UK; regional business advocacy group, One North East;
and union body, the Offshore Co-ordinating Group.
Scotland’s oil and gas industry is central to the UK economy,
providing over three quarters of the total energy mix,
approximately £17 billion to the UK’s balance of trade and
supporting over 300,000 jobs. However, the industry faces
challenges in terms of the long-term decline in production
levels, reduced levels of investment, continued low oil prices
and declining tax revenues.
The session will investigate the key factors that will decide the
long term viability of the oil and gas industry in Scotland. It
will examine the extent of oil reserves and current levels of
exploration for economically viable extraction sites, as well as
the impact of the UK Government’s Maximise Economic Recovery
strategy. It will look at the challenges in the job market, both
in attracting skilled workers and providing secure employment.
The Committee will also consider the potential for skills and
expertise to be transferred to renewable industries given the
increase of measures to reduce emissions.
Tuesday 12 June
Committee Room 8
From 10:15am:
- Deirdre Michie, CEO, Oil & Gas UK
- Dr. Alix Thom, Workforce Engagement & Skills Manager, Oil
& Gas UK
- Jenny Stanning, External Affairs Manager, Oil & Gas UK
From 11.15am:
- Sir Ian Wood GBE, Chairman, Opportunity North East
- Tommy Campbell, Chair, Offshore Co-Ordinating Group
