Northsea Jobs Taskforce To Continue Work

A jobs taskforce set up to help North Sea workers whose jobs are under threat is to be continued for the foreseeable future'', First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The Scottish Government set up the Energy Jobs Taskforce in January after the sector was hit by the slump in oil prices.

Initial plans were for the body, which brings together the industry, the public sector and trade unions, to be in place for six months.

But Ms Sturgeon has announced it will continue to meet beyond its original six-month commitment.

The First Minister said: The Scottish Government is fully committed to the oil and gas industry; it has been a true success story and we are working to ensure it will continue to be so.

The Taskforce has worked to ensure with partners in the sector to maintain jobs and to mitigate the potential impact of any losses, and I think it is vitally important that it continues to do so for the foreseeable future.''

Meanwhile, a third event by the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (Pace) is taking place in Aberdeen in September, after more than 1,700 attended similar meetings to find out about jobs, education and training.

Ms Sturgeon said: Pace is also a vital part of the Government's commitment to Scotland's workforce as it provides real and practical support to people who have been made redundant or who are facing the prospect.

The initiative has already helped a number of people and that's why I'm keen for Pace to continue and support our workers.''

She was speaking as she met senior representatives from three of the world's largest oil firms - Sinopec, PetroChina and CNOOC - during her visit to China.

The SNP leader said: Scotland is a worldwide pioneer in the oil and gas sector thanks to our exploration and extraction work, and this is of huge appeal to countries all over the globe - including China.

Through our innovation and expertise, we have given so much to an industry which spreads the world - but we still have so much to offer.

Engaging with one of the world's largest economies and explaining the quality and knowledge of our workforce is important if we are to encourage them to invest in Scotland.

I made it clear to management from the firms that Scotland wants to work with them and seize on the vast opportunities that remain in the North Sea.

Scotland is open for business and investment and partnership working with firm from countries like China will further cement our industry reputation for international leadership.''