Number working in South West nuclear sector reaches 'highest level ever'
New data shows over 27,000 people now work in the region’s civil nuclear industry
The number of people working in the nuclear sector across the South West has tripled in a decade, reaching its 'highest level ever'.
That’s according to new data showing that over 27,000 people now work in the region’s civil nuclear industry.
According to the Nuclear Industry Association, a crucial aspect of that growth has been the construction of EDF’s Hinkley Point C power plant in Somerset - at which, work has been ramping-up in recent months.
The NIA’s 2024 Jobs Map shows the number of people working in the South West's civil nuclear industry has increased 3,000 on 2023's total - and is a significant jump from the 8,500 jobs total in 2014.
The industry remains critical to the South West’s economic development, with the construction of EDF’s Hinkley Point C playing a vital role in creating employment and enhancing its skills base.
Around 10,000 people are currently working at the Hinkley site, making it one of Europe’s largest construction projects, with over 1,300 apprentices trained to date. Over £5 billion has already spent across the region from the project, more than three times the initial target of £1.5 billion.
Read more: EDF Energy reveal 'positive' impact of Hinkley Point C construction
Sizewell C in the East of England would be a replica of the Hinkley Point C project, and deliver benefits across the country on a similar scale.
The size of the South West’s workforce is second only to the North West, with that region boasting over 29,000 jobs. It is home to a world-class skills base in decommissioning, fuel cycle research and reactor design.
Across the UK, almost 87,000 people work in the civil nuclear sector, a 60% increase since 2014, driven by new projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. The UK must train tens of thousands of additional workers to deliver the government’s nuclear commitment.
Read more: Hinkley Point C: New update as construction ramps up
'The nuclear industry is a powerhouse employer in the South West'
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “The nuclear industry continues to be a powerhouse employer in the South West, sustaining thousands of high-skilled, well-paid jobs which make a significant contribution to the UK energy security net zero future.
“We can have more of these jobs and these opportunities for the next generation if we get on with building Sizewell C and new stations at places like Oldbury. That way we can deliver clean, reliable, home grown power with the high quality work that our communities need.”
Andrew Cockcroft, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Social Impact, Hinkley Point C, said: “Located in the heart of the South West, Hinkley Point C is playing a vital role in boosting growth and regional productivity. Thousands of people from across the region have been provided with new skills and better jobs and the project’s new training Centres of Excellence are providing people with the skills needed to build the low carbon projects of the future.
“Our investment is a one-hundred-year commitment to the region - we are making a difference and determined that our legacy and social impact will endure for many years to come as the South West becomes a leader in clean growth and industry.”
Read more: Dome 'wider than St Paul's Cathedral' lifted into place at Hinkley Point C