UKCS Operators and contractors face Recruitment challenge

Despite the majority or operators and contractors working at or above optimum level overseas, a shortage of skilled staff, inflation and a lack of suitable transportation is impacting on UKCS based activity, a recent survey shows.

The Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber Oil and Gas survey, sponsored by business advisors Deloitte, shows all operators and 86% of contractors are recruiting new staff, but 57% of operators and 73% of contractors are finding recruitment problems are as acute as a year ago.

Chamber chief executive Geoff Runcie says the survey results show that the optimism and activity is higher in the international arena than the domestic sector and a large number of organisations across all sectors reported working at or above optimum levels.

"It is critical that the weaknesses highlighted by the survey such as the continuing skills shortages in key areas and the inadequacy of the transport infrastructure are addressed quickly if the UK sector is to attract and retain new investment and talent," Runcie says.

Deloitte Aberdeen senior partner Derek Henderson says the results should be a wake up call for the industry.

"At present the survey reconfirms that the industry sees its own resources as the preferred source of talent, rather than looking at a wider talent pool, exacerbating the retention pressure further down the supply chain," Runcie says.

"A number of initiatives and plans have been introduced and formulated to try and overcome these identified vulnerabilities but the respondents have sent a clear message that the time has come to assess their performance and the contribution they are making to the future well being of the UKCS."

Reported by Elizabeth Clifford-Marsh