Prospect national secretary Anne Douglas said: "This represents a significant step in putting British Energy on a firm financial footing and maintaining the safety and security of supply from the company.

"We are delighted as the commission’s ruling will help to ensure job security for our members in British Energy and we can now look with optimism towards the future after many months of uncertainty."

Prospect is due to meet British Energy’s senior management within the coming weeks to explore the detailed implications of the announcement.