10,000 Jobs at risk in nuclear sector supply chain without Sizewell C
UK’s leading nuclear supply chain companies warn that failing to go ahead with Sizewell C could cost around 10,000 high-skilled jobs.
In some cases, between a quarter and a third of roles at leading companies, identified as being at risk
The jobs are vital for the UK to maintain the capability to construct new nuclear projects, including future Gigawatt and emerging clean technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
New analysis - conducted by major UK contractors supporting nuclear in the UK - shows that failure to approve the proposed new nuclear power station Sizewell C could cost the nuclear construction industry as many as 10,000 specialist construction and engineering jobs.
At some firms across the nuclear supply chain, a quarter to a third of jobs could be at risk if Sizewell C is not given the go-ahead. These jobs are vital if the UK is to maintain the capability to construct new nuclear projects, including emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and energy from hydrogen.
Loss of this experienced skills base now would be a major blow to the civil nuclear industry. It follows the news this week that Hitachi has pulled out of the Wylfa nuclear power plant in Wales. Close to 60,000 people are currently employed in the civil nuclear sector across the UK.
Cameron Gilmour, Spokesperson for the Sizewell C Consortium, said:
‘For the first time in a generation the UK has developed a world class nuclear construction and engineering supply chain. Without Sizewell C, we will not sustain it – and thousands of jobs could be lost as a result.
This is not a viable option for Britain. Government needs to get on with giving the green light to Sizewell C.’
Sizewell C would provide a multi-billion pounds economic stimulus for Britain, creating 25,000 job opportunities and 1500 apprenticeships across the East of England and the wider UK. British-based firms will deliver 70% of contracts by value during the construction phase.
The project will be a replica of Hinkley Point C. By dovetailing the two projects key parts of the Hinkley supply chain can capitalise on efficiencies, productivity gains and lower supplier costs.