BHP Billiton says yes it is sending home workers, but not the number being bandied about. Earlier this week the Education Officer of Oilfield Workers Trade Union Ozzie Warwick said approximately 60 workers were to be sent home because of the global energy prices issue. But in a release yesterday the company said contrary to those claims, 6 positions will be eliminated in its local operations, two of which are offshore jobs.

BHP Billiton said the petroleum industry is facing extremely challenging market conditions, even by historical standards. The company said it is examining its current and future business needs to optimize both staffing and costs and make appropriate adjustments in its global petroleum business.

It said it remains committed to ongoing operations while maintaining a platform for future growth opportunities and workers in the country’s Used Car Industry are being sent home as well. President of the Automotive Dealers Association Visham Babwah blames a decrease in sales.

Mr. Babwah also points out that used car dealers are yet to receive quota letters for 2016. Mr. Babwah says the association held discussions with the Minister of Trade in October on this issue but nothing has been done. He estimates some 10,000 persons are directly or indirectly employed with the Used Car Industry and many have already been feeling the effects of downturn.