North Sea workers do not see a clear future and face a "cliff-edge" as the UK pursues net zero ambitions, according to GMB Scotland.
Giving evidence to the House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee yesterday, the union’s Claire Greer said there is “no transition” for North Sea workers right now.
She told MPs: “The message to workers remains confused and unclear. They do not see a clear route ahead at this moment.
“There is no transition, there are no other jobs for them to go to. There is only a cliff-edge.
“This transition is something that is happening to them, not with them. The only thing they hear is this rush to net zero at the expense of all of these people whose jobs rely on the North Sea, one way or another.”
The comments came as Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) chief executive David Whitehouse argued that increased North Sea oil and gas investment could generate enough tax revenue to help eliminate fuel poverty.
OEUK is calling on the UK Government to reform the Energy Profits Levy from April 2027 rather than waiting until 2030, claiming the move could unlock billions of pounds in additional investment, tax receipts and economic activity.
Mr Whitehouse told MPs: “We are simply saying one of the choices the government could lean into is eradicating fuel poverty.”
He argued that additional revenues generated by a stronger domestic oil and gas sector could provide ministers with the means to support households struggling with energy costs.