Jobs have been lost at industry body Oil and Gas UK as the organisation cuts back on staff and services.

The group has made a “small number” of people redundant as the result of a shake-up which it says will allow it to support its members better.

Oil and Gas UK has also reduced the number of work groups it runs by 40% as it shifts its focus towards supporting a maturing North Sea.

Since the start of 2015, the number of people employed there has fallen from 62 to 53.

Chief executive Deirdre Michie said: “The new model, which has been endorsed by Oil and Gas UK’s audit committee and board, allows us to deliver a membership focus with a clearer value proposition.

“It will also enable us to work even more effectively with industry to develop policy in support of the sector’s specific needs and issues.

“Our vision is to ensure that the UK Continental Shelf becomes the most attractive mature oil and gas province with which to do business and we have revised our organisation and identified objectives to help us realise that aim.

“We will continually review the effectiveness of the new business model to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.”