Job losses raised in parliament

FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed her concern after it emerged that up to 260 contractors’ jobs were set to be lost at the Sullom Voe Terminal, in Shetland.

Both Wood Group and Bilfinger Industrial Services (BIS) confirmed on Wednesday that they were in talks with unions and staff about shedding 90 and 170 jobs respectively.

In parliament on Thursday, local MSP Tavish Scott raised the issue during First Ministers’ question time.

Sturgeon replied: “We are concerned to learn of the developments at Sullom Voe as this will be an anxious time for the work force and their families.

“Through our oil and gas task force we are fully committed to supporting the industry during what are challenging times.”

She added that she would agree with Scott for Highlands and Islands Enterprise to conduct a full assessment of the impact these job losses will have on the local economy.

The LibDem politician also pressed the SNP government to lobby the Oil and Gas Authority to ensure that BP continues to export its oil from the Schiehallion field to Sullom Voe rather than Rotterdam.

Sturgeon said: “I am sure (finance secretary) John Swinney or (energy minister) Fergus Ewing are happy to meet with Tavish Scott to discuss these issues in more detail.”

Scott said he was pleased with the commitment he had received from the First Minister.