Nuclear jobs hit record high as major new projects revitalise sector

• Record 87,000 UK nuclear jobs – up 60% in a decade, driven by major new projects
• Hinkley Point C helps triple South West nuclear workforce – soon to be replicated at Sizewell C
• Decisions on future projects – including GW project at Wylfa – urgently required to drive growth

The number of people working in the civil nuclear industry in the UK is at its highest level ever with major new projects helping to drive a 60% increase in the number of jobs in a decade, according to a new report by the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA).

The NIA’s 2024 Jobs Map – the sector’s major annual jobs report – shows there are 86,908 people working in the sector, an increase of over 9,000 on last year’s total, and up from 54,515 in 2014. The record growth is driven by new projects at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, although urgent decisions are needed on the next wave of projects to keep up momentum and sustain growth.

The construction of Hinkley Point C has tripled the size of the nuclear workforce in the South West, from 8,500 workers in 2014 to over 27,000 today. The project has also brought £5.3 billion of investment into the region, with the benefits soon to be replicated by Sizewell C in Suffolk.

By contrast, Wales, home to the Wylfa nuclear site, has seen the steepest decline in jobs across the UK, down 40% in the last decade, despite having the best site for new nuclear anywhere in Europe. A new gigawatt station on the island could create thousands of jobs and bring in billions of pounds in investment.

Elsewhere in the UK, innovations in advanced nuclear technology have helped drive the number of jobs, with a growing workforce of over 700 people developing Small Modular Reactors. SMR deployment could create thousands of jobs.

The nuclear industry provides a vital engine of economic development outside London and the South East, with over 29,000 people employed in the North West in decommissioning, fuel cycle research and reactor design, and remains the sector’s biggest regional workforce.

Elsewhere, the UK’s world-class nuclear fusion research expertise sees more than 2,700 people employed at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire, as another solution for net zero and energy security.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association said:

“As well as tens of thousands of high-skilled, well-paid jobs, nuclear also gives you 24/7 clean power, energy security and significant investment in communities, no other industry can say that.

“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 Small Modular Reactors and a new nuclear project at Wylfa, for more secure, reliable and home grown power.”