Oil industry leaders in Aberdeen have called a new round of education cuts "extremely worrying", arguing that the move could exacerbate the existing skills gap within the sector.

According to a new report from the city's Press and Journal newspaper, more than 30 teachers have been released from Aberdeen secondary schools over the past few weeks as the local education authorities look to cut back on spending.

However, oil and gas chiefs have warned that, without basic science and engineering skills, the next generation of workers in the sector may lack the necessary skills to push the UK offshore industry forward.

David Doig, chief executive of oil and gas academy Opito, told the newspaper: "It is essential that young people have access to, and are encouraged to take up, key subjects such as science, technology, engineering and maths, if the UK oil and gas industry is to meet the skills challenge of the future.

"The UK has a great tradition for producing world-class scientists and engineers and we want to build on that to ensure we remain the global skills leader. Any potential cuts to subject choices would be extremely worrying."

Just last month, a report from Oil & Gas UK stated estimated that there is an estimated 25 million barrels of recoverable crude remaining in the North Sea.

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