Prospect, and the other BE trade unions, had asked for this extension of the emergency loan facility, originally due to expire on September 27, when they met Brian Wilson, Minister of State for Industry and Energy.

Tony Aldous, Prospect's national officer, said: "We welcome the agreement and the statement made by government on the on-going role employees have in ensuring nuclear safety and security of supply.

"The union will be involved in the forthcoming debate on the way forward beyond 29 November and we will be meeting government ministers, the company and the company's advisers over the next four weeks.

"Our position is clear - the outcome must be the continued operation of all British Energy's UK power stations supported by Barnwood and Peel Park."