As the largest union for nuclear engineers and specialists, Prospect has warned the government today (Monday 3 July) that British jobs and investment could face the axe unless it addresses uncertainties facing the industry.

The warning came as Prospect launched a new campaign calling for a New Deal for Nuclear.

The campaign calls for the creation of a nuclear champion, an independent body to lead on developing the industry in the UK and to support British businesses competing for contracts abroad.

Estimates suggest the global market for new nuclear projects and decommissioning over the next decade could be worth almost a trillion pounds, with the market for new small modular reactors worth £250bn-£400bn alone.

Yet, the UK risks falling behind in nuclear technology due to uncertainty over new nuclear power stations and uncertainty over Brexit. About 80,000 jobs in the UK rely on the nuclear sector.

Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy said: “Britain is a world leader in nuclear engineering, research and decommissioning, yet we risk losing out as uncertainty and Brexit hit the industry.

“We need clear leadership from government to get British nuclear back on track, helping to deliver new nuclear power generation, supporting innovation and creating more high-skilled jobs.

“The Nuclear Safeguards Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech fails to address the risk to jobs from leaving Euratom or concerns about new power stations at Hinkley Point C or Moorside in Cumbria.

“That’s why we are calling for a new independent nuclear champion to advocate for the industry at home and abroad. In these uncertain times a properly resourced champion could put paid to uncertainty over nuclear, instead transforming the industry into an engine for jobs, growth and economic success.”

A New Deal for Nuclear

In summary, Prospect is calling for the government to:

• Prepare for life after Brexit, ensuring that our ability to trade legally in nuclear materials and industry is not jeopardised by leaving Euratom. Membership must not be terminated until an alternative framework is in place. Funding must be guaranteed for research and development.
• Take the lead by committing to and supporting new build and a comprehensive nuclear sector deal with a strong voice for workers, as well as reactivating the small modular reactor competition
• Address the skills challenge, starting with an assessment of workforce requirements, and streamline training programmes. Free movement of skilled labour will be vital.
• Create an independent UK nuclear champion with adequate resources and authority to act.

Download Prospect’s new pamphlet A New Deal for Nuclear from https://library.prospect.org.uk/download/2017/00997