Nuclear industry fuelling jobs growth

The 2016 Jobs Map, which examines employment statistics, shows that 2,000 more jobs have been created in the UK nuclear industry since 2015.

Some of these jobs are in preparation for, and part of, the UK’s new build programme which will secure the reliable low carbon power needed to replace retiring power stations over the next decade

NIA chief executive Tom Greatrex

The Map, which is sub-divided by regions and nations of the UK, and also by each UK parliamentary constituency, details the scope, scale and reach of employment in the civil nuclear industry, NIA said.

Statistically, the north west of England remains the hub of the UK’s nuclear industry, employing 28,435 people.

Elsewhere, the south west, which is home to Hinkley Point C nuclear plant, has a workforce of 7,421 people.

Meanwhile, the Scottish nuclear industry supports 3,977 jobs.

The Map reveals that women make up 20% of the UK’s nuclear workforce, while also showing 2,000 people are on an apprenticeship programme and over 1,000 are part of a graduate scheme.

Commenting on the Map, Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the NIA, said: “The nuclear sector has been a major employer in the UK since the 1950s and the 2016 Nuclear Jobs Map highlights the vital and growing role it plays today, employing more than 65,000 people, in every part of the UK.

“Some of these jobs are in preparation for, and part of, the UK’s new build programme which will secure the reliable low carbon power needed to replace retiring power stations over the next decade.

“Many further jobs will be created in the new build programme, with at least 40,000 more likely as three projects including Hinkley Point C, Wylfa Newydd and Moorside are developed – creating more opportunities for young people, skilled engineers, and workers looking to find a new challenge.”