Most professionals in the UK oil and gas business believe automation and digitalisation are positive developments for the sector, according to a report from Airswift.

The report, Global Energy Talent Index, surveyed more than 20,000 energy professionals. The majority, or 77%, of professionals say that automation and digitalisation are positive developments, overriding any concerns respondents might have about their own job security.

It’s good news for oil and gas businesses,” Janette Marx, Chief Operating Officer at Airswift, said. “The last few years have been tough on professionals, whose happiness has been waning, so it may surprise hiring managers that workers are optimistic about the role of digitalisation on the sector’s future. The key now is to harness this optimism and provide digitally-driven opportunities for professionals to work more safely, flexibly and efficiently.”

Other key findings within oil and gas showed that while 29% of respondents report an increase in pay over the past 12 months, 45% report no change.

Meanwhile, more than half of oil and gas professionals expect an increase in pay in 2018, with one quarter expecting rates and salaries to rise by more than 5% with two-thirds of those aged under 35 anticipating a pay increase this year.  More than half, or 56% of professionals would consider switching to another sector, with 28 per cent eyeing a move to renewables.