Unheard voices of decline in the Scottish Oil Sector

O'Neil, Jennifer; Ellis, Vaughan

Abstract

This paper examines how employment in the Scottish oil industry is changing as the industry declines, shedding in excess of 120,000 jobs between 2014 and 2016 as oil prices fell. Yet, the absence of workers’ voice in policy discussions about how best to safeguard the industry and utilise their skills has meant that other stakeholders’ interests have been privileged. Drawing from in depth oral history interviews with off shore oil workers, it is argued that workers are experiencing lower wages, fewer shifts, difficulty accessing re-training and career changes as well as adverse effects on family life and wellbeing.

Citation

O'Neil, J., & Ellis, V. (2018, June). Unheard voices of decline in the Scottish Oil Sector. Presented at BUIRA History of Industrial Relations Study Group, University of Westminster

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: BUIRA History of Industrial Relations Study Group
• Conference Location: University of Westminster
• Start Date: Jun 7, 2018
• End Date: Jun 7, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jun 5, 2018
• Keywords: moral economy, oil sector, de-industrialisation, skills,
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1196911