Press release

The visit represented another step forward in the better cooperation between the oil and gas sector and unions, building on the Memorandum of Understanding previously signed by the BRINDEX offshore exploration and production companies and GMB. It is also another positive step in the ongoing engagement between GMB and OEUK, a process that is helping to ensure that workers’ voice is heard in the debate over the UK’s energy transition and future industrial strategy.

During the visit, the attendees enjoyed a tour of the high-performing Kraken FPSO, which this week reached the milestone of 70 million barrels of oil produced, and spent time in face-to-face discussions with crew members around what the energy industry means to them, their families, and the communities they live in.

The highly skilled roles which exist in the oil and gas sector will be vital in delivering the UK’s energy transition and the shared ground between trade unions, employers, and all of those working in the industry is a desire to see the UK attracting investment and creating jobs to support better energy independence and prosperity.

Steve Bowyer, EnQuest’s North Sea General manager said: “We are at a pivotal time for the energy industry with current and proposed fiscal policies creating an environment of uncertainty and putting at risk the investment required to maximise the economic recovery of our indigenous resources and deliver on our new energy and decarbonisation ambitions.

“The North Sea workforce is passionate about the opportunities that the oil and gas industry has provided them and their families and the impact that our sector has on communities up and down the UK. The workers of our industry are highly skilled and retaining their skills in the UK is critical to delivering the future energy transition.”

GMB General Secretary Gary Smith said: “It is vital that worker voice is front and centre of the debate over the UK’s energy and industrial transition. Change must be done with and not to the people doing so much to help keep our homes warm, lights on, and economy running.

“As a union with deep and proud roots in our energy industries, we are determined to develop better cooperation across the offshore and wider energy sectors to maximise this important principle as we fight for the jobs, investment, and energy security the UK needs.”

OEUK Chief Executive Dave Whitehouse said: “The UK’s energy future depends on the skills of our world class offshore workforce. It is vital that policymakers build an industrial strategy that makes the most of their talents and safeguards jobs and communities across the UK.

“Policy decisions made today will be felt for decades to come. The new generation of economic growth, innovation and energy security we all agree the UK needs can only come from listening to and investing in our homegrown industry and its highly skilled people.”

ENDS

Contact:

EnQuest Plc: Contact the communications team at communications@enquest.com

GMB Union: Contact the press office on 07958 156846 or at press.office@gmb.org.uk

OEUK: Contact the communications team at media@oeuk.org.uk