Scotland Faces Unjust Transition as Oil and Gas Jobs Decline

The Just Transition Commission has warned that Scotland's oil and gas workers face an 'unjust transition' due to the lack of a clear government plan for their future as the industry shifts to renewable energy. Workers in Aberdeen and the northeast fear a 'cliff edge' in job security, with concerns that the transition risks repeating the harsh economic impacts experienced by coal and steel workers in the past. The commission emphasizes the urgent need for ambitious government action, investment, and leadership to create job pathways in offshore renewables, decommissioning, and green hydrogen, while ensuring robust standards for pay and working conditions. Despite the foreseeable decline of North Sea oil and gas production, the current policies by SNP and Labour have been criticized for not adequately supporting workers or preparing the regional economy. The fragmented nature of both the fossil fuel and renewables sectors complicates planning but makes coordinated efforts more critical to avoid economic shocks and community harm. Overall, the commission calls for a bold, innovative approach to manage the transition fairly and to develop a clear plan to boost Scotland's renewables supply chain to mitigate the loss of traditional oil and gas jobs.