More than 100 jobs are under threat as a leading North Sea helicopter operator enters a consultation with staff.

A total of 130 Bristow Helicopters workers - including up to 66 pilots - are likely to lose their jobs.

The firm has blamed the move on an “ongoing reduction of oil and gas activity in the North Sea”.

A Bristow spokeswoman said: “The company has taken numerous measures to reduce costs but we have not been able to reach the level of cost reduction needed and 130 personnel may be affected by redundancy in the UK.

“The company is consulting with the trade unions and employees on these proposals.”

The British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) said the news was “devastating” and called for an urgent summit on North Sea jobs.

BALPA general Secretary Jim McAuslan said: “This announcement reflects the collapse in the oil price and its impact on North Sea industry.

“Pilots want to see that industry thrive again and ensure when it does, we have the skilled pilots and other workers available. We must now make certain that businesses all the way down the supply chain are not squeezed by the big oil and gas companies.

“The government needs to nurse the industry through this downturn so skills are not lost when the situation improves.

“BALPA is calling for a jobs summit with the Treasury, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Scottish Government and the Department for Transport to take stock of the situation. This loss of experience is a major threat to the UK industry as well as a personal catastrophe for the individuals concerned.

“BALPA will do all it can to protect pilots who are feeling the brunt of the downturn in the North Sea oil industry.”

Source: news.stv.tv

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