The threat of redundancy for nearly 100 workers at the Aberdeen operation of Bristow Helicopters has been lifted, at least temporarily.
It was feared that up to 30 pilots at the North Sea’s biggest helicopter operator could lose their jobs, while a further 50-60 workers on the ground could go.
Cost-reduction measures announced by Bristow last month – in response to a decline in demand for its oil and gas services – included staff cuts and management salaries being frozen.
The company refused to say how many of the 500 jobs at its European headquarters in Aberdeen could be at risk.
Consultations about proposed staff reductions were due to last a minimum of 30 days. A spokeswoman for the firm said yesterday: “In light of the short-term work secured following the current shortage of helicopters in the market, Bristow Helicopters has postponed the consultation until such times as more of the long-term work is confirmed.”
She would not give any more details.
The recent ditching of a Bond Offshore Super Puma, with 16 lives lost, en route from BP’s Miller platform has caused a shake-up of the North Sea helicopter market. Two models of Super Puma were forced out of service while checks were carried out and BP has insisted on a full investigation into Bond’s operations before letting its workers fly with the company again.
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