Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 20 February 2024 to Question 13704 on Offshore Industry: Employment, for what reason her Department does not use the verified ONS figures for jobs in the UK oil and gas sector.

When assessing the full economic contribution of the offshore oil and gas sector, it is necessary to use a wide range of data sources, given its diverse supply chain and regional significance. The Department uses the Offshore Energies UK’s (OEUK’s) Workforce Insight reports which contain data and insights on direct, indirect and induced jobs supported by the sector.

We introduced the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, recognising that the broad skills and capabilities across the workforce will be vital for the transition required for net zero.