UK’s new nuclear builds set to double jobs

Jobs in the UK’s civil nuclear sector are set to double. That’s according to new figures from the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA), which suggest the UK’s new build programme means […]

Jobs in the UK’s civil nuclear sector are set to double.

That’s according to new figures from the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA), which suggest the UK’s new build programme means employment in the field will rise from 65,000 to more than 130,000.

Combined, the Hinkley Point C, Wylfa Newydd and Moorside projects are expected to create more than 50,000 job opportunities during construction, with at least 3,000 permanent roles spread across the three sites once they go into operation.

Currently there are 1,500 workers on site at Hinkley Point C and the project is due to create 25,000 jobs in total.

The NIA says NuGeneration’s Moorside programme in Cumbria will create 20,000 positions during the construction phase and Horizon Nuclear Power estimates the number of workers on site at Wylfa Newydd will peak at 6,000.

The industry is spread across the country and the new build programme will upgrade infrastructure, develop skills, create opportunities for business, secure inward investment, boost research and development, deliver clean energy and drive growth in many different geographical areas.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the NIA, said: “We know new nuclear will help ensure the lowest cost route to decarbonisation, generating the reliable, round the clock, low carbon electricity the UK needs.

“We also know it will create thousands of high-skilled, well paid jobs in areas of the country where jobs are often hard to come by.”

The National Audit Office says the UK Government has “not sufficiently” considered the costs and risks of the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant deal for consumers.

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