Fresh wave of job cuts coming

A pair of Aberdeen-based businesses are planning a fresh wave of job cuts in light of the latest oil and gas downturn.

North Star Shipping has told crews it plans to make almost 100 people redundant.

In an email sent to seafarers, North Star director Jonathan Harris-Lowe said it was with “great dismay” they were being consulted on compulsory redundancies due to the impact of Covid-19.

North Star said it anticipated 99 job losses across its fleet of emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRVs).

Unite the union is negotiating on behalf of workers.

Mr Harris-Lowe said the “estimated” jobs figure may change, depending on the outcome of the consultation, which is expected to be completed by late June.

“North Star said it anticipated 99 job losses across its fleet”

North Sea helicopter flights in April were down 30% – meaning less work for ERRVs, whose primary tasks include supporting landing operations on platforms.

Meanwhile, offshore catering firm ESS Support Services Worldwide has revealed plans to cut dozens of jobs due to a “dramatic decrease” in demand.

Bosses sent a letter to employees announcing a consultation, affecting 86 ad hoc positions, which is due to close on June 12, saying the jobs of stewards, chefs and bakers were at risk.

ESS – part of foodservice giant Compass Group – said the Covid-19 pandemic initially led to increased demand for ad hoc workers but that had reversed in recent weeks as clients look to cut costs.