WIRELINE Spring 2017

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6 | W I R E L I N E | SPRING 2017
2. Brexit and the implications
for oil and gas
Oil & Gas UK continues to engage with
members through its Government
Relations Work Group and other
technical groups to gather intelligence
on the implications for industry of the
UK leaving the EU (Brexit) and to shape
the trade body’s policies.
As part of this activity, a breakfast
briefing was held on 1 February to
explore what effect Brexit might have
on international trade for the sector,
examining the potential trading
relationships and emerging political
and legal drivers. Speakers included
Ben Digby of CBI, Matt Dunhan of the
Global Counsel and Silke Goldberg of
Herbert Smith Freehills.
Mike Tholen, upstream policy director
at Oil & Gas UK, gave evidence last
Autumn to the House of Lords EU
External Affairs Sub-Committee
inquiry into the UK’s trade of goods
post-Brexit. Mike emphasised the
importance of access to markets
for goods, services and skills and to
attract investment. Meanwhile, Deirdre
Michie, Oil & Gas UK’s chief executive,
participated in the House of Commons
Exciting the EU Committee inquiry into
the opportunities and risks for Scotland after Brexit.
Oil & Gas UK representatives also travelled to Norway towards the end of last year for insights into how the Norwegian oil and
gas industry manages its relationship with the EU. Hosted by the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association, staff met representatives
from the Norwegian Ministry of Oil and Energy, Petroleum Directorate, Safety Authority and Environment Agency. The group
discussed working together more closely by sharing details on how their respective industries are addressing the cost and
efficiency challenge, managing decommissioning and considering climate change.
WatchMike Tholen’s evidence to the Lord’s EU Committee at and Deirdre Michie’s submission to the
House of Commons EU Committee at
3. Finding new job opportunities
Individuals who are at risk or who have been made redundant are encouraged to
register for free on Talent Retention Solutions’ (TRS) new oil and gas portal. The
portal gives access to new job opportunities and allows individuals to promote
their skills and experiences to companies that are recruiting.
TRS was set up with the support of the former Department for
Business, Innovation & Skills to retain advanced manufacturing
and engineering skills in the UK.
The new hub for oil and gas has been developed with the
support of Oil & Gas UK, Energy Skills Scotland, OPITO and
the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
Employers are encouraged to make displaced workers aware
of the portal.
Access the portal at
News Round-Up | Oil & Gas UK
Mike Tholen gives evidence to the House of Lords EU External Affairs
Sub-Committee and Oil & Gas UK staff meet Norwegian counterparts
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