Supporting Organisations and People Through Redundancy in the Oil and Gas Sector

Organisational change has long been a feature of the oil and gas industry. Market cycles, project lifespans, energy transition pressures and asset decommissioning all contribute to periods of restructuring. While these changes are often necessary to ensure long-term viability, the human impact of redundancy is significant and must be handled with care.

For employers, managing redundancies responsibly is about more than process and compliance. It is about reputation, values and how people are treated at one of the most challenging moments in their working lives. For individuals, redundancy can bring uncertainty, financial anxiety and a loss of professional identity, particularly in a sector where careers are often built over decades.

At Orion Group, we have supported organisations and individuals through workforce change for over 40 years. We understand that redundancy is never simply a business decision. It is a deeply personal experience for those affected and a defining moment for the employer making it.

The changing context of redundancies in oil and gas

Redundancies in the energy sector are rarely isolated events. They often coincide with major operational milestones such as asset sales, project completion, decommissioning or strategic realignment. In recent years, the pace of change has accelerated, driven by energy transition, digitalisation and global economic uncertainty.

Many organisations now face the dual challenge of reducing headcount while still needing to protect critical skills, maintain morale among retained staff and uphold their employer brand in a highly competitive talent market. How redundancies are managed today has a lasting impact on future recruitment, stakeholder confidence and workforce trust.

Employees, meanwhile, may be navigating redundancy for the first time, or facing it after multiple cycles. Technical specialists, offshore personnel and senior leaders alike can find themselves questioning next steps in a market that feels unfamiliar or unpredictable.

This is where structured, empathetic outplacement support becomes essential.

Why outplacement support matters

Outplacement is not simply a benefit offered at the end of employment. When delivered effectively, it is a strategic tool that supports both organisational resilience and individual wellbeing.

1. For employers, professional outplacement consultancy can:
2. Reduce pressure on HR and leadership teams during complex change
3. Demonstrate a genuine duty of care to departing employees
4. Protect and enhance employer branding
5. Reduce the risk of reputational damage
6. Support smoother transitions and reduce uncertainty across the wider workforce

For individuals, outplacement provides clarity, confidence and practical guidance at a time when decision-making can feel overwhelming. It offers reassurance that they are not navigating change alone.

An empathetic and solutions-focused approach

At Orion Group, our outplacement offering is built on empathy, experience and action. We recognise that no two redundancy scenarios are the same, and no two individuals respond to change in the same way.

Our consultants are experienced recruitment professionals with deep sector knowledge and an understanding of the financial, professional and personal impacts redundancy can bring. Our team includes specialists trained in mental health first aid and diversity and inclusion, ensuring conversations are handled with sensitivity and respect.

This human-centred approach allows us to meet individuals where they are, whether they are eager to move quickly into a new role or need time to process change before planning their next step.

Reducing the burden on HR teams

Redundancy programmes place significant demands on internal teams. HR professionals are required to manage consultation processes, compliance, communication and employee support, often under intense time pressure.

By partnering with an experienced outplacement provider, organisations can alleviate this burden. Orion Group acts as an extension of your team, providing structured, confidential support that complements internal processes and ensures individuals receive consistent, high-quality guidance.

This allows HR teams to focus on strategic priorities while knowing affected employees are being supported professionally and compassionately.

Protecting employer brand and long-term relationships

How an organisation treats people during redundancy is remembered long after the process has ended. Employees who feel respected and supported are more likely to speak positively about their experience, even in difficult circumstances.

Many individuals supported by Orion Group during redundancy have gone on to become future clients, contractors or advocates. Others have returned to organisations later in their careers, bringing valuable skills and experience.

Outplacement is not just about managing an exit. It is about preserving relationships and maintaining trust within a close-knit industry.

Tailored support for every individual

Our outplacement consultancy is delivered on a one-to-one basis and tailored to each individual’s background, career stage and aspirations. We support people across all disciplines and seniority levels, from offshore personnel and technical engineers to senior executives and leadership teams.

One-to-one consultations may include:

1. Connection with a discipline specialist recruiter
2. Establishing realistic and achievable career objectives
3. CV review and guidance tailored to current market expectations
4. Coaching on professional branding, social media and online job search tools
5. Interview preparation and confidence building
6. Insight into regional and global job market conditions and hiring trends
7. Advice on transitioning into other sectors or considering career change
8. Guidance on contracting options including PAYE and limited company structures
9. Discussion of rotational and international opportunities across global oil and gas regions
10. Ongoing recruitment support and proactive engagement
11. Support with job offer negotiation

Throughout the process, individuals are treated with dignity and respect, with careful consideration of their personal circumstances and priorities.

Turning redundancy into opportunity

While redundancy is rarely welcomed, it can act as a reset point. With the right support, individuals are often able to reassess their goals, explore new opportunities and make informed decisions about their future.

For some, this may mean securing a similar role in a different organisation or region. For others, it may involve transitioning into adjacent sectors, exploring contract work, or moving into leadership or consultancy roles.

Our role is not to push individuals in a particular direction, but to provide clarity, insight and options, empowering them to move forward with confidence.

Experience you can trust

Orion Group has an unrivalled track record in supporting outplacement, redundancy and workforce reductions, including during large-scale decommissioning projects. Our extensive industry network, both in the UK and internationally, allows us to open doors that may not be visible through traditional job search routes.

We offer:

1. A network of offices across key energy hubs worldwide
2. Deep local market knowledge supported by global reach
3. A proven record of delivery in complex redundancy scenarios
4. Long-standing relationships with operators, contractors and service companies
5. A trusted presence built over four decades in the energy sector

This combination of reach and expertise enables us to support both organisations and individuals effectively, even in challenging market conditions.

Supporting change with care and confidence

Redundancies are never easy, but they can be handled with professionalism, empathy and integrity. With the right outplacement partner, organisations can navigate change responsibly while supporting individuals to take positive next steps.

At Orion Group, we are committed to supporting clients and their people in a way that is sensitive, adaptable and practical. We help organisations manage change with confidence and help individuals make sense of what comes next.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your organisation’s upcoming requirements and explore how we can support you through times of change, while helping affected individuals transition into new opportunities successfully.

Download the Outsourcing Brochure here

For more information, please contact:

Steven Greig
Regional Director
Tel: +44 1224 336249
Mobile: +44 7912 895146
Email: steven.greig@orioneng.com

Lachlan Nicholson
Recruitment Manager
Tel: +44 1224 336230
Mobile: +44 7771 906646
Email: lachlan.nicholson@orioneng.com