Oil and gas workers are divided over the projected impact on their industry of Scottish independence, according to a new survey.
A small majority (54%) believe independence will bring more jobs but nearly the same proportion (53%) believe it will have a negative impact on workers.
More than half of the 199 workers polled believe wages will stay the same, a quarter think they will fall and around a fifth think they will rise, according to the poll by oil and gas recruitment firm NES Global Talent.
More workers are said to believe investment in the industry will fall than those who think it will stay the same or rise.
Only 1% more workers think oil and gas exploration will increase under independence (30%) than fall, although most think it will stay the same, it suggests.
READ THE VIEWS OF OUR COLUMNISTS DICK WINCHESTER, TONY MACKAY AND BRIAN WILSON ON THE INDEPENDENCE DEBATE HERE
“According to UK Government figures, an extra 15,000 jobs are due to be created in the UK oil and gas sector over the next five years,” said Craig Paterson, NES associate director.
“However, our survey, and interaction with our contractors, shows that workers are uncertain over what the future holds for investment levels and job potential.
“Oil and gas salaries are continuing to climb dramatically as renewed UK North Sea investment and global competition for fewer workers leaves companies competing to attract and retain talent.
“Over the past 12 months rates for contractors have risen by up to 20% in some cases. The competition for workers is so fierce that companies look set to continue offering more money and more benefits over the coming years, whether Scotland becomes independent or not.”
Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, convener of Holyrood’s Energy Committee, said: “What this survey shows is no one really knows what to expect from the oil industry in the years and decades to come. It’s a hugely valuable, greatly appreciated but, ultimately, volatile industry.
“That’s why its future is far safer in the environment of the United Kingdom where fluctuations can be absorbed and investment guaranteed.
“It seems, like everyone else, workers in the sector want considerably more information from the SNP than has been forthcoming before a firm consensus can be reached.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “A majority of North Sea offshore workers believe independence will see more jobs created in the industry, which is currently seeing a renewed investment boom.
“The Scottish Government is clear that oil and gas revenues would offer a premium advantage for an independent Scotland. Almost all oil production and more than half of total gas production over the next three decades will take place in Scottish waters.
“Unlike successive UK governments, an independent Scotland will provide the necessary stability and predictability for taxation and regulation, creating the optimum conditions for the oil and gas industry to innovate and thrive in a globally competitive environment.”
Aberdeen Central SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said: “Negativity towards the oil and gas sector from anti-independence politicians is doing little to damage confidence within this booming industry.
“People within the industry who know it best anticipate increased jobs in an independent Scotland, and that is a boost to the Yes campaign.”
Recommended for you
