How many jobs does the oil and gas industry support in the UK?

The oil and gas industry provides well-paid employment for tens of thousands of people up and down the UK, spanning everything from drilling to catering. 

Offshore Energies UK’s (OEUK) latest Workforce Insight report states that the UK offshore energy industry currently directly supports over 154,000 jobs across the country, of which 115,000 are in oil and gas, according to Robert Gordon University.

When the total number of indirect and induced positions across the UK that rely on the offshore energy industry are taken into account, that figure rises to 200,000.

A major driver of employment and economic growth, contributing more than £25 billion annually to the UK economy, many of the jobs underpinned by the industry are concentrated in Scotland and North-East England, where they play a vital role in supporting local communities and supply chains.

Despite its economic importance, the sector is still grappling with major challenges and OEUK’s report finds more than 55% of offshore energy employers reduced staff numbers in 2024/25, while 45% expect further job cuts over the next 12 months if the current policy environment continues.

Under OEUK’s scenario, the workforce could grow to 212,000 by 2030, with continued oil and gas activity playing a central role alongside the expansion of renewables.