A REDUNDANCY threat for almost 100 workers at an offshore energy services firm is a “massive blow”, a union has said.

Aker Solutions operates in the North Sea and has announced plans to “review current positions across our sites in Aberdeen”.

It is understood the approximate number of jobs currently affected is 95, which could be subject to change, as the firm plans to consult on the potential redundancies.

John Boland, the Unite union’s regional industrial officer, said: “The announcement by Aker Solutions that it plans to cut 95 jobs in Aberdeen is a massive blow.

“This is completely out the blue and Unite was given no prior warning that this was on the horizon.

“It was only last year that the company was boasting about its commitment to Aberdeen when it opened its upgraded offices, but this announcement demonstrates zero commitment to its workforce.

“Unite will immediately engage with our members and do all we can to assist them at this very difficult time, with all options on the table.”

Sian Lloyd Rees, UK country manager at Aker Solutions, said: “In line with our global strategy and continued focus on delivering greater efficiencies, our UK business has evolved to deliver digitally enabled services and enhanced solutions which best meet customer and local market requirements.

“This evolution has included distributing our engineering services and manufacturing work across our international hubs, as well as our technology centre in Reading.

“Consequently, this has resulted in a change to product and manufacturing demand in Aberdeen, subsequently impacting our UK workforce.

“Following the announced proposals to review current positions across our sites in Aberdeen, we will consult with our people and continue to provide guidance and support to all.”