Harbour Energy has announced plans to cut a reported 100 jobs across its UK operations, specifically affecting offshore roles linked to Aberdeen and the UK Continental Shelf. If your role is placed at risk of redundancy, it is important to understand your legal rights regarding consultation periods, redundancy pay, and settlement agreements under UK employment law.
What has been announced
- Harbour Energy announced on 2 December 2025 plans to cut a reported 100 offshore jobs across its UK operations.
- The planned redundancies affect roles connected to Aberdeen and the UK Continental Shelf.
- The company attributed the workforce reductions to recent UK government fiscal policies and the windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas operators.
About the company
Harbour Energy is an oil and gas operator with significant assets and operations in the UK energy sector.
The company maintains key operational links and workforce presence in Aberdeen and across offshore installations on the UK Continental Shelf.
What happens next
When an employer proposes 100 or more redundancies at one establishment, the statutory collective consultation period must last at least 45 days before any dismissals take effect. Where 20 to 99 redundancies are proposed, the minimum period is 30 days.
The employer must consult with recognised trade union representatives or elected employee representatives to explore ways of avoiding dismissals, reducing the number of affected staff, and mitigating the consequences.
Individual consultation meetings will also take place with affected workers to discuss scoring, alternative vacancies, and redundancy terms.
Employees with two or more years of continuous service are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, along with any contractual redundancy payments provided under their employment contract.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
Harbour Energy may consider voluntary redundancy applications to reduce the necessity of compulsory redundancies.
Voluntary redundancy packages often offer enhanced financial terms compared to statutory minimums, though employers retain the discretion to accept or decline applications based on business needs.
If compulsory redundancies are required, the employer must apply objective, non-discriminatory selection criteria to select roles fairly.
Your settlement agreement
Employers frequently offer settlement agreements to departing staff to provide an agreed severance package in exchange for waiving future legal claims.
To be legally binding, an employee must receive advice from an independent legal adviser, such as a qualified employment solicitor, on the terms and effect of the agreement.
Employers typically provide a financial contribution towards the cost of obtaining independent legal advice on the agreement.
Common questions
Who qualifies for statutory redundancy pay?
Under the law of England and Wales, employees with at least two years of continuous service with their employer are entitled to statutory redundancy pay. The amount depends on your age, length of service, and weekly earnings, up to the statutory weekly cap.
How long must the redundancy consultation last?
Under UK law, employers proposing 100 or more redundancies must follow a collective consultation process lasting at least 45 days before dismissals take effect. If between 20 and 99 redundancies are proposed, the minimum consultation period is 30 days.
What should I do if I am offered a settlement agreement?
If you receive a settlement agreement, you should seek independent legal advice before signing. The agreement will set out your severance pay, notice arrangements, and any agreed references, in exchange for settling potential employment claims.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors advises UK employees facing redundancy on their statutory and contractual rights. Our employment law team can review settlement agreements, advise on the fairness of consultation and selection procedures, and ensure you receive the redundancy terms to which you are entitled.
Read more about settlement agreement advice or work out your statutory redundancy pay.
Sources
- Harbour Energy slashes 100 offshore jobs due to windfall tax - The Chemical Engineer — The Chemical Engineer (2 December 2025)
- Harbour Energy to cut another 100 jobs after Chancellor ignores warnings - Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce — Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (2 December 2025)
Last updated 9 September 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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