Sue Ferns OBE, Senior Deputy General Secretary of
Prospect union, responding to the Nuclear Regulatory
Taskforce's report, said:
“There is scope for streamlining work on nuclear licensed sites,
but we reject the description of systemic regulatory failure.
Regulatory barriers, real or perceived, are not the greatest
challenge to the UK's nuclear future and priority must be given
to ensure a stable and secure investment climate. We also need a
firm commitment and funding for long-term construction, training
and supply chain programmes.
"Whatever changes are brought forward must not be at the expense
of safety. Unions have been at the forefront of making the
nuclear energy a safe place to work and must be involved in the
drafting and implementation of new rules.
“There are however many important and potentially effective
recommendations in the report. The concept of a lead regulator
could work well, but merging DSNR with ONR will inevitably cause
further uncertainty and time to work through. Urging more action
from the Nuclear Skills Delivery Board is also important but the
board has no trade union representation so it is difficult for
many stakeholders to judge how effective it is.
“Finally, the report rightly points out the disconnect between
pressure being put on regulators to facilitate growth, and their
ability to attract and retain talent through adequate pay. This
report is now the latest in a series of government-commissioned
reports that makes this point - it is time to stop talking and
start acting. If the Chancellor is serious about using regulatory
levers to drive growth she also has to use this Budget to back
the people and organisations responsible for delivering on these
objectives.”
