Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of attempting to “disguise the crisis” in the North Sea after she claimed there was “a very strong suggestion” redundant offshore workers were finding fresh jobs.
Opposition politicians accused the first minister of “conflating two different issues” after she suggested falling national unemployment indicated oil and gas workers were finding alternative work.
Scottish Labour’s Lewis Macdonald MSP branded the comments “extraordinary” and said they were not borne out by the facts on the ground.
He said last night: “Nicola Sturgeon is conflating two different issues and is trying to disguise the crisis facing the North Sea by referring to other parts of the country where there have been increases in part time, low paid work.
“It is breathtaking complacency for the SNP to refuse to properly assess the number of jobs lost in the sector.
“Perhaps the first minister could explain why more than 100 oil and gas workers turned up at a jobs fair in Fraserburgh?
“Many of them had been unemployed since June. That doesn’t suggest to me that people are walking into other jobs.
“Anyone who has looked at the unemployment figures in the north-east will know that they have gone up very sharply recently. It is an extraordinary statement.”
Ms Sturgeon insisted she was “not complacent” as she unveiled a package of measures to help tackle the crisis.
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Alex Johnstone added: “The first minister’s visit to Aberdeen is well overdue.
“During the past few months her absence has been noted by many people who are losing their jobs and livelihoods in the oil and gas sector.
“The SNP’s thin package of support is from a party who viewed oil and gas as a cash cow to provide the revenues for its failed independence project.
“It is now time for both governments to work together to help Aberdeen overcome these hard times.”
But Scottish Liberal Democrat North East MSP Alison McInnes said: “This is welcome support for the tens of thousands of people who have lost their jobs because of the downturn in the oil and gas industry.
“They are incredibly skilled staff whose experience cannot be wasted and who need to know the opportunities and help they need to retrain is available.
“What we now need to know is how exactly this fund will be distributed, who can apply and clear details as they come in of how many people are actually benefiting.”