90 jobs to be axed at Shell’s North Sea HQ

Redundancies: Jobs will go before the end of this year

Oil major Shell has revealed plans to cut 90 onshore positions at its North Sea headquarters in Aberdeen.

The Anglo-Dutch giant said it had advised staff members of its plans at a town hall meeting.

The group said the job losses were “not specifically related” to the sale of a package of North Sea assets announced earlier this year.

In January, the firm announced the sale of its interests in nine UK North Sea fields and a 10% stake in Schiehallion, west of Shetland, to Chrysaor for up to £3 billion.

It said the cuts were part of efforts to ensure Shell operated a “sustainable and competitive business” in the North Sea post-divestment.

The firm said it remained committed to the UK and investing in the North Sea.

Steve Phimister, upstream vicepresident for the UK and Ireland, said: “We intend to reduce the size of the organisation by approximately 90 onshore positions by the end of 2017.

“Offshore roles will not be impacted by this decision.

“Our aim is to ensure our organisation is appropriate to support our drive to become the most competitive and resilient oil and gas business in the UK continental shelf.

“We are committed to the UK North Sea and see considerable future value and opportunity; we remain a significant employer, and aim to continue to invest significantly in the North Sea in the coming years.”

Weare committed to the UK North Sea and see considerable future value and opportunity STEVE PHIMISTER, SHELL UPSTREAM VICE-PRESIDENT, UK AND IRELAND