Listen: Former North Sea worker says he wouldn't go back to the oil industry following downturn

James Irving-Lewis is retraining to be a Mortgage Advisor

Published 2nd Dec 2016

A former North Sea worker who has been jobless for almost three months says that "family is more important" than finding a new job in oil and gas.

James Irving-Lewis from Bridge of Don lost his job back as back in September when his company North Atlantic Drilling stopped production.

He says he expects the industry to pick up again, but says the days of $120 dollars a barrel are over, and estimates it may return to "around $80 dollars a barrel peak".

Mr Irving Lewis praised staff at the company who kept the workers informed as to what was going to be happening and the possible outcomes.

He says he considers himself one of the lucky ones for having insurances in place incase of a downturn in the oil price.

With more and more people losing their jobs in the industry, James says some people are beginning to feel the emotional problems from being out of work - and that some may feel a form of depression.

He spoke to our reporter Phil McDonald about what people might be feeling at this tough time for the North East of Scotland.