Unison leader says public service workers get less political focus than North Sea jobs

Andrea Egan, general secretary of Unison, the UK's biggest trade union, has said public service workers often seem like an afterthought for ministers compared with the political focus on protecting North Sea jobs. The Guardian

Egan called for workers in the NHS, education and care sectors to receive the same political attention that North Sea oil and gas workers have received. Her remarks came in a debate over the future of the North Sea, where the government has approved new production.

The UK government has given the go-ahead to the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea. Egan said the approval was a serious misstep and sent the wrong signal about the UK's climate commitments. She said ministers should instead focus on creating secure, well-paid jobs in the renewable sector for oil and gas workers.

A final government decision on the Rosebank oilfield is expected before the end of 2026. Miatta Fahnbulleh is the UK energy secretary, a cabinet post covering energy policy.

Trade unions are divided on further drilling. Unite and GMB back more North Sea licences, which are the permits that allow companies to explore for and produce oil and gas. Unison and the National Education Union oppose more drilling.

Separately, Unison announced a new recognition deal with Octopus Energy in the week before 30 October 2026. A recognition deal is an agreement under which a company accepts a union to represent its staff. GMB had been attempting to gain union recognition at Octopus Energy.