North Sea oil and gas sector faces 113,000 job losses by 2050

Data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) reveals that the North Sea oil and gas sector is projected to lose more than 113,000 jobs over the next 25 years. This represents an 82.7 per cent decline in the total workforce, which stood at 136,675 in 2024.

Projections indicate that by 2030, approximately 54,268 roles will have vanished, and by 2035, more than half the workforce—77,783 positions—will be gone. By 2050, only about 23,584 roles are expected to remain. The contraction follows the Labour government's commitment to prohibit new oil and gas exploration licenses and the continuation of windfall taxes on producers.

The economic impact is expected to extend through the wider supply chain, as DESNZ analysis suggests each direct industry position supports an additional 4.4 jobs. The projected decline poses significant implications for regions such as Aberdeen and north-east Scotland, which provide engineering, maritime, and manufacturing services to the offshore sector.