An oil firm and two unions have held “constructive discussions” in a bid to avert further offshore strikes.

About 400 Wood Group employees have participated in a series of strikes over the last month – the first industrial action in the North Sea for nearly 30 years.

They are concerned about cuts to pay and the recent switch to a three-week work cycle.

Plans for further industrial action were put on hold while talks were held between Wood Group, Unite and the RMT this week.

In a joint statement, the three organisations said: “We have held two full days of constructive discussions, which will continue next week.

“These talks, which are allowing all parties to bring ideas to the table, involved union officials, offshore shop stewards and Wood Group management.

“These collaborative discussions have demonstrated a clear, shared understanding of the issues being raised by all parties, plus the challenges facing the North Sea.

“We remain focused on reaching a mutually acceptable outcome, which demonstrates collective leadership in shaping the future of the North Sea.”

Offshore workers have been hit by a series of pay cuts over the last two years as the result of a slump in the value of oil.

The price of a barrel of Brent crude plunged as low as $26 in January amid high supply and low demand.

It now sits at about $50, a third of its price two years ago.

Oil and Gas UK believes 120,000 people in the UK will have lost their jobs in the oil industry by the end of this year.

Source: stv.tv