Chemical engineers voice opinions on Scottish independence

A survey of IChemE members in Scotland suggests that chemical engineers back the status quo by more than two to one.

Over 60 per cent of respondents disagree with the proposition: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’  Three in ten respondents indicated support for independence, with eight per cent ‘undecided’.

The discovery and exploitation of North Sea oil and gas has been one of the most important episodes in the recent economic history of Scotland and the UK.

In 2012, nearly 45 million tons of oil and gas were extracted from the UK continental shelf and the industry employed 220,000 people in Scotland, with over 30,000 directly employed by oil and gas companies and major contractors.

The sector is a major employer of chemical engineers in Scotland. The survey shows that concerns over job security and future investment in the sector are shaping the chemical engineering vote. 

Almost half of the survey respondents (47 per cent) believed that independence would increase the risk of job losses, with less than one in five (18 per cent) expressing the view that employment prospects would improve should Scotland become independent.

Just under half (48 per cent) believe that separation would have a negative impact on investment in the oil and gas sector.  A quarter of respondents (25 per cent) supported the assertion that investment will improve if Scotland votes ‘Yes’ on 18 September 2014. 

Some IChemE members are also worried that business might quit an independent Scotland with 56 per cent of responses agreeing with the proposition that ‘business is more likely to relocate to other countries if Scotland becomes independent’. 28 per cent of respondents disagreed with this statement.

Contributors to the survey on both sides of the debate expressed eloquent opinions on the potential economic consequences of separation, based on their local circumstances.  The view of the ‘Better Together’ camp was typified by the following quote:

“I work for one of the major oil and gas companies based in Aberdeen and know that in the case of a ‘Yes’ vote two of the projects I am involved in will not progress due to uncertainly in the tax regime and stability of the country.”

Supporters of the Yes Scotland campaign remain equally convinced:

“I'm very much in the ‘Yes’ camp. I've weighed up the pros and cons and firmly believe that for Scotland to reach its full potential, it needs to be independent. We have recently received investment at our petrochemical complex. This is in place regardless of the result.”

Commenting on the survey findings, IChemE’s director of policy and communication, Andy Furlong said:

“Whilst the national opinion poll gap has narrowed in recent days, our survey suggests that a minority of chemical engineers in Scotland will vote ‘Yes’. 

IChemE takes a neutral position on Scottish independence, however we are actively encouraging our members to engage with the debate and to vote on 18 September. 

'Chemical engineering matters in Scotland and whatever the ballot result, chemical engineering needs good politics and politics needs good chemical engineers.”