Junior Minister, Michael Shanks’s lies fully exposed but only in the Orkney Times and here as 2 000 jobs in the North of Scotland are put at risk

Yes, Petrofac’s entry into administration poses a significant risk to approximately 2,000 jobs in the north of Scotland, particularly in the Aberdeen area, where the company’s North Sea operations are headquartered. These roles are primarily in engineering, construction, operations, and support services for offshore oil and gas platforms, affecting both onshore (around 800 workers) and offshore (about 1,200) positions. The broader supply chain in the region could also face indirect impacts, amplifying economic concerns in an area already transitioning from traditional energy sectors.Key Background on Petrofac’s SituationPetrofac, a major UK-based energy services provider, applied to the High Court of England and Wales on October 27, 2025, to appoint administrators (Teneo Financial Advisory) for its ultimate holding company, Petrofac Limited. This follows the collapse of a year-long financial restructuring effort, triggered by the termination of a major €2.6 billion offshore wind contract with Dutch grid operator TenneT on October 23, 2025. The contract, which accounted for over 80% of Petrofac’s engineering and construction revenue, was canceled due to the company’s failure to meet obligations, including delays and financial instability.The firm employs around 7,300 people globally, but its UK arm—centered in Aberdeen—supports critical North Sea activities for clients like BP and Shell. Petrofac’s decline stems from longstanding issues, including a 2019 Serious Fraud Office investigation resulting in a £77 million fine for bribery, high debt levels (exacerbated by volatile energy prices), and the suspension of its shares in May 2025 after delayed 2024 results. At its 2012 peak, the company was valued at £6 billion; by suspension, it was worth just £20-26 million.Immediate Job Risks in Northern Scotland