Thousands of jobs to be created through development at Sizewell
and expansion of nuclear power
Unite, the UK's leading trade union, representing workers in
construction, engineering and energy has welcomed the
government's announcement of a multi-billion investment to build
Sizewell C in Suffolk and the go ahead for small and modular
reactors (SMRs).
Unite strongly supports the government's decision to make Rolls
Royce the preferred bidder to build the small modular reactors
(SMRs).
A properly funded nuclear expansion programme will ensure energy
resilience, drive forward industrial growth, and provide
high-quality employment opportunities across the country.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This
announcement is vital for jobs in construction and the energy
sector. Unite has led the campaign for building Sizewell C and
the development of SMRs. Workers will be relieved that the
investment has finally been secured.
“The Sizewell C and SMR announcements must only be a
first step towards serious and sustained investment in UK nuclear
power to end the instability in our energy sector. The promise of
small modular rectors must be backed alongside investment in
fusion, The government also needs commit to building a new
nuclear power station at Wylfa.”
Unite will be demanding a commitment from the government that no
infrastructure investments will be done on the cheap. We
will not accept any attempt to cut costs by undermining pay,
conditions, or safety standards. This must be a programme that
delivers well-paid, skilled, unionised jobs from day one. Unite
is also campaigning for the government to commit to develop a new
nuclear power station at Wylfa on Anglesey.
Historically in the UK, major infrastructure construction
projects have used exploitative employment models, with
substandard wages and precarious contracts. Unite will expect
full engagement with unions to ensure that workers' voices are
heard at every stage of this process. That means investment in
apprenticeships, training, and the upskilling of the UK workforce
to meet the demands of the future energy sector.
Unite's national officer for construction Jason Poulter
added: “As the major union at the UK's other nuclear
construction site at Hinkley Point, Unite is well placed to
ensure that good, unionised jobs are created that pay fair wages
and ensure work in good conditions.
“It is essential that we ensure this development at Sizewell
benefit workers and communities as well as across UK through
skills security, not just shareholders.”
Unite has consistently campaigned to ensure the future of UK
energy must be built on a foundation of good jobs, strong
protections, and a commitment to a fair deal for workers.
