OFFSHORE INDUSTRY CRISIS

That this House is deeply concerned by the severity of the downturn in the UK offshore oil industry resulting from the slump in oil prices; is alarmed that the industry's short-term responses have included delay and cancellation of long-term projects, laying off workers, extending working hours and attacking conditions of service; is dismayed that some employers see this crisis as an opportunity to accelerate cost-cutting recruitment practices and reduce essential maintenance work in the sector; opposes such short-term responses to the crisis which jeopardise tens of thousands of jobs, essential skills, infrastructure integrity and capacity and future tax revenues from this vital sector; believes that the Government should start work with all affiliates, including the Scottish Government and the Inter Union Offshore Committee, to agree and implement measures that preserve the sustainability of operations, jobs, skills and investment as well as a robust safety regime in the North Sea for the long-term; and calls on the Government to launch a public inquiry into the offshore energy industry in the UK Continental Shelf.