UK: Offshore workforce up by 8.6%

Statistics in the 2014 UK Offshore Workforce Demographics Report published by Oil & Gas UK yesterday reveal the total number of people travelling offshore has increased by 8.6 per cent compared to 2012, with offshore workers in the 24-29 age group recording the highest percentage growth at almost 14.7 per cent.

UK Offshore workforce up by 8.6 pct
Total Number of Personnel who Travelled Offshore from 2006 to 2013

There has also been a slight drop in the average age for an offshore worker which is consistent with Oil & Gas UK’s findings in previous years.

Dr Alix Thom, Oil & Gas UK’s employment and skills issues manager, said: “The data in this year’s report confirms that in 2006-2013 the largest increase in the offshore population was in the18-29 age group. Their presence, and the fact that the average age of the total offshore workforce has dropped from 41.1 in 2012 to 40.8 in 2013, is helping to dispel the common misconception that the offshore population is ageing.

“However, this good news must be considered against the 8 per cent reduction in production seen in 2013 and the fact that there has been a slight drop in the proportion of female employees relative to the total offshore population. Women now comprise 3.6 per cent of the total offshore population representing a decrease of almost 0.2 per cent since 2012. Given the current level of demand for skilled employees, and the high level of activity on the UK Continental Shelf, it is in the industry’s interest to increase its focus on tackling this lack of gender diversity as it represents a significant, but not fully utilised, pool of talent.”

The report’s key findings include:

-A total of 61,892 people travelled offshore in 2013, which is the highest since 2006 when the data were first analysed and represents an 8.6 per cent increase on 2012;

-The number of core workers (those working over 100 nights a year offshore) rose to 27,749 in 2013 representing a 7.7 per cent increase from 2012 and is at its highest since 2006. The core workforce continues to represent around 45 per cent of the total offshore population;

-The total number of personnel travelling offshore continued to rise despite the average oil price dropping by $3 to $109 per barrel in 2013;

-Almost 50 per cent (13,740) of the core workforce visited a single offshore location in 2013 and nearly 72 per cent (19,880) worked for a single operator;

-Just over 80 per cent (51,177) of the total number of workers travelling offshore are of British nationality, with Norwegians representing the greatest number of non-British personnel working on the UK Continental Shelf;

-The female workforce constitutes 3.6 per cent (2,237) of the total offshore population, with 30 per cent of them working in catering roles. This represents a decrease of almost 0.2 per cent from 2012;

-The average age of the total offshore workforce in 2013 was 40.8 years. This is down from 41.1 years in 2012, but still broadly similar to the average age recorded over the last eight years;

-2013 saw a 14.7 per cent increase in the number of workers travelling offshore aged 23 to 28 and a nine per cent increase in personnel aged 60 to 65;

-The number of personnel working for contractors in 2013 increased across all age categories;
Data in the report is for the 2013 calendar year and was compiled using the Vantage POB (Personnel On Board) system, which tracks the movement of personnel to and from offshore installations.

 

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Press Release, May 14, 2014