This follows earlier reports that Centrica was cutting 3,000 employees from its Norwegian workforce by the end of 2016.

A spokesperson confirmed that due to the current oil market, Centrica E&P Norway has underwent restructuring in recent months resulting in a down-scaling of the organisation.

“This means a reduction in the numbers of both contractors and permanent employees. Exactly how many is not clear yet, but it could concern up to 20 permanent employees,” the spokesperson said.

“This is, of course, a difficult situation for all concerned, but unfortunately a necessary measure,” the spokesperson further added.

Centrica downplayed the significance of the cuts and said that despite reductions, Norway continued to be a focus area for Centrica’s E&P activity.

Regarding the start of the reduction process, the spokesperson said that the new organization should be in place within the next month and concluded that, despite reductions, Norway continues to be a focus area for Centrica’s E&P activity.

The organisations E&P business has assets in the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, Western Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.