Oil and gas firm plans to cut 250 jobs in Aberdeen

BBC

A major oil and gas producer is making plans to cut about 250 jobs in Aberdeen.

Harbour Energy said it had launched a review of its UK operations and had to take "difficult steps", blaming regulation and "punitive" government measures.

The UK government said its thoughts were with any workers affected by the "commercial decision".

Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) described the news as a "devastating blow".

The firm has been a vocal critic of the Energy Profits Levy, known as the windfall tax, introduced by the Conservative UK government in 2022 and extended after Labour came to power last year.

The UK government said at the time it was strengthening the tax to ensure North Sea oil and gas producers contribute their fair share towards the energy transition.

It has also pointed to its decision to headquarter Great British Energy in Aberdeen and establish a national wealth fund to help unlock investment in renewables.

But Harbour Energy has claimed it faces excessive taxation which threatens profits and investment in its North Sea operations.

Scott Barr, managing director of the firm's UK business, said a review was expected to result in 250 job losses in Aberdeen in addition to the 350 previously announced.

He said: "The review is unfortunately necessary to align staffing levels with lower levels of investment, due mainly to the government's ongoing punitive fiscal position and a challenging regulatory environment."

The issue was raised at Prime Minister's Questions, with SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn accusing Sir Keir Starmer of "destroying jobs in Scotland".

The prime minister said "nobody wants to see job losses", but accused the SNP of trying to "distract from their disastrous record" after nearly two decades in government.

The Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also raised the Harbour Energy job losses. The prime minister accused her of being a "climate defeatist".

A UK government spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with any workers affected by this commercial decision, and we will do everything in our power to support workers and communities.

"The government has reformed the Energy Profits Levy to support investment and give industry certainty and stability."

Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is a devastating blow for the 250-plus families directly affected - and I fear it is just the tip of the iceberg."