Once the vibrant hub of the North Sea oil industry, Aberdeen is now grappling with a stark decline that has left many of its residents concerned about the future.
Roy, a 70-year-old taxi driver who has spent two decades navigating the streets of this granite city, reflects on the changes he’s witnessed.
“We’ve always bounced back from market crashes, but this feels different,” he says. The city is dotted with shuttered shops, a clear sign of an economy struggling to adapt after years of volatile oil prices.
With looming tax changes from the Labour government expected to impact the oil and gas sector, anxiety is palpable among workers.
Darren, an oil rig worker for 22 years, warns that the government’s plans may mirror the devastation wrought by Thatcher’s policies on coal mining, potentially putting 200,000 jobs at risk.
The government aims to transform the UK into a “clean energy superpower” but this vision raises alarms among workers like Darren, who fear job losses that could jeopardize their families’ stability.
A skills passport aims to help oil workers transition to renewable energy jobs.Labour’s intention to implement stricter windfall taxes on oil profits further complicates the situation.
While these measures aim to fund renewable energy initiatives, they could deter investment in the North Sea, risking up to 35,000 jobs according to industry analysts.
As Russell Borthwick of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce notes, many local businesses feel the weight of government tax policies, heightening fears about their growth prospects.
Amid this uncertainty, there are calls for a balanced approach that supports the transition away from fossil fuels while safeguarding jobs in the region.
The proposed “skills passport” for oil workers transitioning to renewable energy jobs is a step in the right direction, yet skepticism remains about the viability of these new roles.
As Aberdeen looks to reinvent itself amid declining oil fortunes, the path forward must prioritize both economic stability for its workers and a sustainable energy future.
With the right support and investment, the city can emerge as a new leader in the green energy transition, redefining its identity for generations to come.