Oil and gas job cuts in pipeline

Redundancies are looming for staff at Taranaki oil and gas pipeline specialists Energyworks.

Chief executive Allen Clarke said a significant downturn in workload meant the company expected a number of positions would be made redundant.

‘‘We are currently going through a process of consultation with potentially affected employ- ees where they will be given the opportunity to engage in that review process, and at the same time consider any alternative options prior to us making a final decision,’’ Clarke said.

‘‘If we conclude that there is no option other than to make one or more positions redundant, affected employees will then receive written notice in accordance with their individual employment agreement.’’

Clarke did not say how many jobs might go or how many people the company employed.

Just over a year ago investment company Direct Capital bought a 70 per cent stake in Energyworks, which was established as Inglewood Engineering in 1972.

In 2000, the company, which had about 30 staff, was sold and rebranded as Energyworks. In February last year it employed more than 200 staff.

Last month, United States oilfield service company Halliburton estimated layoffs in the range of 6.5 to 8 per cent of its global workforce and it is understood this has meant job losses at its Taranaki branch.

In February, New Zealand Energy Corporation also announced job losses among its Taranaki staff, and other firms, including Schlumberger and Baker Hughes, both of the US, plus Canada’s Tag Oil, are also considering their staff count after the collapse in oil prices.