Question reference: S5W-36178
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 11 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 23 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with (a) the UK Government, (b) trade unions and (c) employers regarding the introduction of an Energy Services Agreement covering workers employed by contractors in the offshore oil and gas sector.
Answer
The Scottish Government has not held specific discussions regarding this matter, however we are in regular contact with the UK government to ensure that we can continue to support the sector. For example,the Oil and Gas and Energy Transition Strategic Leadership Group (SLG) which I co-chair has continued to be updated on the progress of the Energy Services Agreement by Trade Unions and industry at these meetings, most recently in December where I welcomed the progress by UNITE, RMT and GMB and the 15 employers on the Energy Services Agreement, noting that the number of signatories demonstrates the value of this agreement. I also directly encouraged businesses to discuss this with those who have signed up with a view of becoming part of the ESA recognising its longer term value to the UKCS in terms of providing transparency, certainty and stability for operators, supply chain companies and employees. A further update to the Group was provided at the last meeting of the SLG in February.