Jobs in the UK’s civil nuclear sector have reached a record high.
That’s according to a new report from the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA), which estimates that there are currently 86,908 people employed in the industry, marking a 60% increase from a decade ago when the total was 54,515.
This growth has been largely driven by major projects such as Hinkley Point C in Somerset, which has tripled the size of the nuclear workforce in the South West from 8,500 in 2014 to over 27,000 today.
Currently, Wales has seen the largest decline in nuclear jobs, down 40% over the last decade, despite having a site deemed ideal for new nuclear development.
In other parts of the UK, advancements in nuclear technology are also supporting job growth.
Over 700 people are working on the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
More than 2,700 people are also employed in nuclear fusion research at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire.
However, there are calls for urgent decisions on future projects, such as the proposed station at Wylfa in Wales.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the NIA said: “We can have lots more of these jobs and opportunities for the next generation if we get on with committing to new projects by supporting Sizewell C to a Final Investment Decision, progressing the development of SMRs and a new nuclear project at Wylfa, for more secure, reliable and home-grown power.”
