GMB Scotland secretary Louise Gilmour has slammed the UK government for misleading workers about the shift to renewable energy, claiming the nation is being gaslit as oil and gas jobs vanish without enough new roles in green sectors to replace them. In a pointed critique shared with media outlets, Gilmour demands an immediate halt to what she calls a self-harming energy policy that risks the skills needed for a true net zero future.
This outcry highlights growing frustration in Scotland’s energy heartlands, where promises of a just transition clash with harsh realities on the ground. As the North Sea’s output drops, unions and industry leaders push for real action to protect livelihoods while advancing clean power goals.
Union Leader Exposes the Gap in Promises and Reality
Louise Gilmour, speaking on behalf of thousands of workers, painted a vivid picture of deception in the government’s approach to energy change. She argued that repeated assurances of booming green jobs fail to match the evidence, with Scotland losing vital expertise in oil and gas that could support renewables for years to come.
Workers in places like Aberdeen feel the pinch most acutely, as rigs idle and platforms face early closures. Gilmour stressed that rushing to dismantle fossil fuel industries without a solid plan leaves communities high and dry, echoing concerns from families who have built their lives around North Sea work.
The timing of her remarks could not be more urgent, coming just weeks after parliamentary reports flagged the mismatch between job losses and green growth. This mismatch fuels fears that Scotland’s role as a renewable powerhouse might bypass local workers altogether.
North Sea Jobs Plunge Amid Slow Green Uptake
Recent data shows the North Sea oil and gas sector shedding jobs at an alarming rate, outpacing the creation of positions in wind and other clean technologies. Projections indicate nearly 1,000 direct and indirect roles could disappear each month by 2030 if trends hold, hitting Scotland hardest where the industry employs over 100,000 people.
Production in the basin is forecast to fall by more than 7 percent yearly, leading to an 89 percent drop in oil output alone over the next decade. This decline stems not just from depleting fields but from policy choices that discourage investment, leaving supply chains weakened and skills at risk of fading away.
To illustrate the imbalance, consider this table comparing key employment figures:
| Sector | Current Jobs (2025 Estimate) | Projected Annual Loss/Gain | Main Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and Gas (North Sea) | 121,000 | -12,000 | High taxes, investment slowdown |
| Renewables (Offshore Wind) | 45,000 | +5,000 | Slow contract awards, supply chain gaps |
| Overall Energy Transition | 166,000 | -7,000 net | Skills mismatch, regional disparities |
These numbers underscore why unions like GMB view the transition as uneven, with renewables failing to absorb displaced workers quickly enough.
Industry Groups Demand Overhaul of Energy Taxes
Major players in Scotland’s energy landscape have joined the chorus, urging the chancellor to scrap or reform the energy profits levy that they say is choking investment. Groups such as Offshore Energies UK and Scottish Renewables argue the tax, now at 78 percent effective rate, acts as a barrier to growth in both fossil fuels and clean energy.
Their joint plea calls for urgent replacement of the levy, boosted funding for contracts for difference auctions, and steps to stem further job cuts. Without these changes, they warn, the UK risks importing more energy while local economies suffer, a scenario that could widen the trade deficit and hike bills for households.
Executives from firms like Centrica echo these worries. Chief executive Chris O’Shea, who grew up in Fife surrounded by coal communities, expressed deep concern over the human cost of the shift. He noted recent cuts at major producers and ports, insisting the transition is essential but must not leave Scottish towns behind.
- Key demands from industry and unions include:
- Immediate reform of the energy profits levy to encourage investment.
- Increased funding for the next round of offshore wind contracts.
- Targeted training programs to transfer oil skills to green roles.
- Regional pricing to ease costs for fuel-poor areas in Scotland.
These steps, if implemented, could bridge the gap and foster a smoother path forward.
Broader Impacts on Communities and Economy
The fallout extends beyond jobs, touching on energy security and living standards across Scotland. As refineries like Grangemouth close and chemical plants scale back, the nation faces higher import reliance, now at 40 percent of its energy needs. This vulnerability comes at a time when global prices fluctuate wildly, squeezing families already grappling with high bills.
Critics point to past mistakes, like the handling of coal towns, as a cautionary tale. O’Shea shared memories of his upbringing in mining areas, warning that without careful planning, renewable promises could repeat the pain of sudden industrial shifts. Meanwhile, political figures from various parties highlight how Scotland generates much of the UK’s wind power yet sees little local benefit in jobs or revenue.
Adding to the debate, some voices on social media and forums question the pace of change, with calls for balanced support that honors both climate goals and worker rights. This tension reflects a nation at a crossroads, where bold green ambitions must align with practical support for those on the front lines.
Toward a Fairer Energy Future for All
Looking ahead, experts suggest a multi-pronged strategy could turn the tide, including incentives for domestic manufacturing in renewables and apprenticeships tailored to North Sea veterans. Recent investments in storage projects, like the one at Hunterston backed by Centrica, show promise for stabilizing the grid and creating stable roles.
Yet, the road remains bumpy. With the budget looming, pressure mounts on ministers to act decisively. Gilmour’s call serves as a wake-up, reminding policymakers that trust in the transition hinges on delivering tangible wins for Scottish workers.
Readers, what do you think about balancing green goals with job security? Share your views in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article to spark wider discussion.
