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Over half of North East chemicals, oil and gas workers to reach retirement within seven years

An ageing workforce among North East chemical, oil and gas sectors could cause a skills crisis, a regional recruiter has suggested.

A study of 3,000 workers in the region by First Class Technical Recruitment shows 62.2% of workers across the sectors are aged over 50, and 54% are due to reach retirement age within the next seven years.

Just 4.8% of the workforce is in the 20-29 age bracket, with 13% of workers in the 30-39 age group.

James Gill, director of First Class Technical Recruitment, which has offices in Newcastle and Middlesbrough, said: “The skills base of the North East workforce is often cited as one of the major reasons this region secures work from global industry. However, these figures signal a stark warning that the skills base is reducing dramatically as the workforce ages.

“Having a top heavy workforce can only be detrimental to the region’s industry. Investments in apprenticeships is still playing catch up and more than half of the over 50s age group is reaching retirement age.

“This leaves a significant gap in the workforce in the huge 20 to 49 age group where the oil & gas and chemical sectors require skilled and competent individuals.

“The challenge to fill this group can be achieved in part by attracting those from other sectors, which have complementary transferable skills. With effective reskilling programmes, supported by government and employers, as well as sourcing returning UK professionals from overseas, significant steps can be taken towards addressing this major issue for the North East.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .