A continuing shortage of skilled staff is impacting oil and gas operations in UK waters, according to the ninth Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber Oil and Gas Survey.

The research found that recruitment activity remains widespread, with all operators and 86% of contractors seeking to recruit new staff.

However, it found that 57% of operators and 73% of contractors find recruitment problems are as acute as a year ago. Operators reported particular difficulties in recruiting those with subsea engineering skills, geoscience professionals, professional engineers and experienced offshore operators.

Contractors reported a range of recruitment difficulties across all disciplines.

Geoff Runcie, chief executive of the Chamber, says: “It is critical that the weaknesses highlighted by the survey such as the continuing skills shortages in key areas and the inadequacy of the transport infrastructure are addressed quickly if the UK sector is to attract and retain new investment and talent.

“In addition, 80% of operators and 81% of contractors anticipate that new skills will be acquired by training current staff, therefore we should expect to see continual heavy investment in people development and training.”