A JUST transition to renewables is needed, the RMT union has warned, as research suggests green energy will overtake fossil fuels as the main source of employment in the North Sea by 2030.

A report from Robert Gordon University predicts a fall in direct and indirect employment for 70,000 workers in offshore oil and gas as daily production drops by 37 per cent by the end of the decade.

That figure is expected to be offset by 90,000 new jobs in offshore wind and 40,000 vacancies in other offshore green industries such as hydrogen and carbon capture.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch welcomed the report as an important step towards a net-zero carbon world, but warned workers must not be left behind.

“Our members are not hearing anything from employers on how they can retrain for work in offshore wind and other green growth sectors, despite heavy investment in UK offshore wind farms,” he said.

“This report is further evidence that industry needs to put its money where its mouth is and work with trade unions on a just transition for all.”