Harbour Energy to cut around 100 offshore jobs from North Sea

The largest independent oil and gas firm in the North Sea has announced it will axe around 100 offshore jobs.

Harbour Energy announced the job cuts as part of a review of its UK offshore organisation.

The oil and gas firm said it was taking the decision to “remain competitive” amid a challenging time for the industry and the UK Government’s retention of the “punitive” Energy Profits Levy – known as the windfall tax.

STV News understands Harbour has cut around half its workforce since the introduction of the windfall tax.

Since 2023, Harbour has reduced its onshore headcount by approximately 600. It announced the loss of 250 onshore jobs earlier this year, and 350 were cut in 2023.

Last week, the energy firm said it was “disappointed with the outcome” after there was no reform to the windfall tax in the UK budget.

On Monday, Harbour Energy announced the latest round of job cuts as part of a new review of its UK offshore operations.

It confirmed that around 100 offshore jobs out of around 700 are at risk as part of this review.

“The UK oil and gas sector faces sustained pressure from lower commodity prices and an uncompetitive tax regime, worsened by the government’s decision to retain the Energy Profits Levy in the recent Budget,” Harbour’s UK business unit managing director Scott Barr said.

“The offshore reorganisation is a necessary step to align our operating model with reduced activity and production levels in the UK, accelerated by the retention of the [levy], while maintaining our commitment to safety and regulatory standards.

“Harbour’s UK Business Unit will continue to struggle to compete for capital within our global portfolio while the [levy] remains. The future structure of our offshore workforce must adapt to reflect these realities.”

Mr Barr added: “While we must deliver this essential change, we recognise the next few months will be difficult for colleagues. We will work closely with those most affected and provide support throughout the process.”

Harbour anticipates that the roles will be cut following a consultation period, which will begin on Monday December 1, 2025 and is expected to conclude before March 2026.