15th June 2026
Trade unions representing offshore workers have raised serious concerns about what they describe as a growing pattern of unfair treatment across North Sea operations. The issue centres on the rising use of “Not Required Back” (NRB) notices which are a form of dismissal that effectively ends a worker’s offshore placement without formal redundancy or disciplinary procedure.
Union officials say NRB decisions are being used more frequently and, in some cases, without clear justification. They argue that the practice leaves workers vulnerable, with little recourse to challenge decisions that can abruptly end their employment. “Members are being told they’re simply not required back, often without explanation,” one union representative said. “It’s a quiet way of removing people from the workforce, and it’s causing real anxiety.”
Industry Response: Collaboration and Guidance
Industry body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has acknowledged the concerns but emphasised that it continues to work closely with both trade unions and member companies to ensure fair treatment. OEUK points to its Permanent Removal of Offshore Personnel (PROP) guidance — now in its fourth edition — as evidence of ongoing collaboration and improvement.
According to OEUK, the updated guidance “reflects continuous improvement across the industry” and aims to standardise how offshore personnel issues are managed. The organisation insists that the PROP framework is designed to protect both workers and employers by ensuring transparency and consistency in decisions that affect offshore staff.
The Tension Between Safety and Fairness
The debate highlights a deeper tension within the offshore sector: balancing operational safety and efficiency with fair employment practices. Offshore work is inherently high‑risk, and companies must maintain strict standards of competence and conduct. However, unions argue that NRB dismissals are sometimes applied for reasons unrelated to safety or performance such as personality clashes or cost‑cutting measures.
The lack of formal appeal mechanisms compounds the problem. Once an NRB notice is issued, workers often find themselves unable to return to offshore employment, even with other operators. This has led to calls for a clearer, independent review process to prevent misuse.
A Call for Transparency
Both sides agree that offshore work demands professionalism and accountability. The challenge lies in ensuring that disciplinary or removal procedures are fair, documented, and proportionate. Unions are urging OEUK and its members to strengthen oversight and provide workers with the right to challenge NRB decisions.
As the North Sea continues to evolve with new technologies, energy‑transition projects, and changing workforce dynamics maintaining trust between employers and employees will be crucial. The industry’s reputation for safety and fairness depends on it.