More than 110,000 North Sea oil and gas jobs could disappear by 2050, according to UK Government forecasts which predict the workforce could shrink by around 80%.
Figures obtained from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero show the number of jobs linked to the sector falling from 136,675 in 2024 to around 82,000 by 2030, below 59,000 by 2035 and as few as 23,500 by the middle of the century.
The projections come as the government considers the futures of Rosebank and Jackdaw, while Labour has banned new exploration licences and extended the Energy Profits Levy, which takes the headline tax rate on North Sea producers to 78%.
Offshore Energy UK said the figures highlighted the need for policies which sustain investment in domestic production while the energy transition gathers pace.
Energy policy director Enrique Cornejo said: “These are not just figures. They represent highly skilled people whose expertise will be vital to delivering secure, affordable and lower-carbon energy.
“The North Sea is mature, but it still holds oil and gas resources that can deliver value for the UK. While demand remains, meeting more of it domestically would help sustain jobs, businesses and supply chains, while keeping economic benefit in the UK.”
He added: “Without that investment, the UK will still need substantial volumes of oil and gas, but more will be imported resulting in economic value, tax revenue and supply chain activity moving overseas.”
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said: “Oil and gas will continue to play an important role in our energy system for decades to come, while we transition to clean power.
“The North Sea is a declining basin. Our plans will protect this highly skilled workforce and create the next generation of long-term good jobs in the North Sea.”