Up to 160 jobs are at risk at a leading oil company amid UK-wide restructuring.

Petrofac could cut up to 8.5% of its 1900-strong UK workforce over the next few months.

The Jersey-based firm blamed the proposals on a "challenging industry backdrop".

A spokesman said: "Were constantly looking for ways to make our business as cost-efficient and delivery-focused as possible.

"Integration of our UK services will deliver a streamlined and effective business which is designed to ensure we remain competitive and sustainable against a challenging industry backdrop.

"We're making every effort to minimise the impact on our 1900 UK employees. Under our current proposals the positions potentially at risk represent less than 10% of our entire UK population and will be spread across our operating centres."

Petrofac, which cut pay for contractors by 10% in June 2014, has not made clear where in the UK jobs are under threat.

At least 65,000 people have lost their jobs since the value of a barrel of oil halved from a high of $110 in June 2014.

Last week, industry body Oil and Gas UK predicted UK production had risen by 7% over the course of 2015.

But despite forecasting the first rise in production in 15 years, experts warned further industry cuts are likely.