Concerns over job security and future investment in the oil and gas sector are shaping the chemical engineering vote, a survey has suggested.
In an official survey of IChemE members in Scotland, 47% of respondents believed that independence would increase the risk of job losses, while 18% felt that job prospects would improve in an independent Scotland, 8% were undecided.
When presented with the proposition that “business is more likely to relocate to other countries if Scotland becomes independent”, 56% agreed with the statement and 28% disagreed.
Contributors to the survey on both sides of the debate gave their opinion on the potential economic consequences of septation.
A Better Together supporter said: “I work for one of the major oil and gas companies based in Aberdeen and know that in the case of a ‘Yes’ vote two of the projects I am involved in will not progress due to uncertainly in the tax regime and stability of the country.”
Putting forward a pro-septation view, a Yes supporter stated: “I’m very much in the ‘Yes’ camp. I’ve weighed up the pros and cons and firmly believe that for Scotland to reach its full potential, it needs to be independent. We have recently received investment at our petrochemical complex. This is in place regardless of the result.”
The director of policy and communications of IchemE, Andy Furlong commented on the results.
He said: “Whilst the national opinion poll gap has narrowed in recent days, our survey suggests that a minority of chemical engineers in Scotland will vote ‘Yes’.
The North Sea’s future potential has been a major talking point within the independence debate.
IChemE takes a neutral stance on independence but is encouraging its members to engage with debate and vote on 18 September.
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