Energy services firm Hunting has announced plans to cut jobs in Aberdeen, blaming the North Sea tax hikes for the decision.
Hunting will complete a round of layoffs at its operating base in Altens, known as Badentoy, which currently employs 98 staff.
Graham Goodall, the regional managing director, said the challenging investment climate and the UK government’s approach to the North Sea were major factors in the decision as its taken a heavy toll on activity.
Mr Goodall said Hunting has had to make tough decisions to “right-size” its operations in Europe and confirmed its "headcount will be reduced."
The company has previously hit out against the UK's oil and gas taxation policy and its impacts of levies across EMEA region.
“It’s no secret that the large operators are looking to downsize or exit the North Sea, and that has an impact on the service providers,” he said. “The approach from the government has had a massive impact on our decision making."
Goodall added: “It’s all the taxation that they’re putting on to the companies, making it impossible for them to stay here. They’re forcing them out of the environment.”
In 2023, Harbour Energy had previously blamed the tax for cutting jobs in its Aberdeen operation, while some producers decided to exit the North Sea all together.