Team Recruitment

It includes figures from the oil and gas sector, enterprise bodies, local and central government and unions.

The taskforce will be chaired by Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson.

It will report to the Scottish Energy Advisory Board.

The taskforce aims to maintain jobs and mitigate the potential impact of any losses resulting from challenges facing the industry, including falling oil prices.

Confirmed members include senior figures from Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish government, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Skills Development Scotland, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Oil and Gas UK and trade union body STUC.

BP, Taqa, Wood Group, Petrofac, Aker and Amec are among a number of oil and gas companies which will be represented.

Ms Wilson said: “We’ve made quick progress in forming this taskforce which represents a strong and united public and private sector partnership that is committed to working together to support this vital industry throughout these challenging times.

“While current circumstances are difficult, we also need to remember that this is a resilient industry - one which has weathered the storm before and will do so again.”

She added: “We have an urgent and immediate task at hand to retain the jobs, skills and talent which is the bedrock of Scotland’s internationally competitive energy sector.

“The depth of knowledge and expertise this newly-formed taskforce offers will undoubtedly make an invaluable contribution to that task and help shape support to meet the current and future need for our energy sector.”

Ahead of the group’s first meeting, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “This taskforce, chaired by Lena Wilson, is an important step to ensure that energy jobs are sustained and supported through this difficult period, and is yet another demonstration from the Scottish government that the industry has our full support.