Ministers urged to spice up jobs by confirming money for Sizewell C nuclear plant

Keir Starmer has been urged to create thousands of new jobs and apprenticeships by confirming final cash for the Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station.

It comes with the PM set to host a major investment summit in London on Monday, with a major focus on boosting Britain’s energy industry. The ‘Final Investment Decision’ (FID) on the proposed plant on the Suffolk Coast has already been delayed.

But Union chiefs have warned now is a “critical point” for making the decision, if there is to be a “seamless transition” of construction workers from the Hinckley Point C plant currently being built in Somerset. And they said if Chancellor Rachel Reeves decides to relax her fiscal rules ahead of next month’s budget, there will be “no excuse for not making a substantial public investment to get Sizewell C over the line.”

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Gary Smith, the General Secretary of the GMB Union and Mike Clancy, General Secretary of the Prospect Union wrote: “Many parts of the UK have already benefited from the construction of Hinkley Point C – from specialist training in Scunthorpe to manufacturing in Pontypool, to the 1,500 construction workers traveling from Scotland to work on the site.

“These jobs are life-changing, setting the standard in the construction industry and leaving a legacy of high-paid, highly skilled union jobs. Sizewell C is an opportunity to replicate this on the Suffolk coast, and there are already over 1,000 people registered for the Sizewell C job service.”

They added: “Net zero requires nuclear, and the UK needs Sizewell C. A prompt FID delivered within the month will solidify investor confidence and provide certainty to the region, the workforce, and the supply chain.”

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokeswoman said: “New nuclear power stations such as Sizewell C will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and net zero, while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs and supporting our energy independence beyond 2030.

“There are no plans for a delay to Sizewell C, with discussions with potential investors ongoing, and our intention is to deliver the project as quickly as possible.”

The Union leaders’ letter in full

Dear Prime Minister

We are writing to you regarding the critical importance of reaching the Final Investment Decision for Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station.

This project is essential for ensuring the UK’s long-term energy independence and national security as well as creating thousands of skilled jobs. In a time of increasing global uncertainty, Sizewell C is pivotal in helping the UK meet its net-zero targets, delivering sustainable energy, and strengthening the economy.

The Final Investment Decision (FID) has already been delayed, and we are now at a critical point in which a decision needs to be made to ensure a seamless transition of workers and supply chains from Hinkley Point C. Any delay risks demobilizing the workforce and supply chain, which could lead to unnecessary construction delays, increased costs, and an impact on the economic benefits the project offers the UK.

Sizewell C will be transformative, creating at least 1,500 apprenticeships, investing in local schools and colleges, and supporting a supply chain that has had to be reestablished for the Hinkley Point C build after years of failure to invest in energy infrastructure. Providing the skills necessary for us to make the transition to net zero, this project will also leave a

long-lasting legacy of innovation and opportunity for future generations. Many parts of the UK have already benefited from the construction of Hinkley Point C – from specialist training in Scunthorpe to manufacturing in Pontypool, to the 1,500 construction workers traveling from Scotland to work on the site.

These jobs are life-changing, setting the standard in the construction industry and leaving a legacy of high-paid, highly skilled union jobs. Sizewell C is an opportunity to replicate this on the Suffolk coast, and there are already over 1,000 people registered for the Sizewell C job service.

Net zero requires nuclear, and the UK needs Sizewell C. A prompt FID delivered within the month will solidify investor confidence and provide certainty to the region, the workforce, and the supply chain. We have noted that government is considering refining its fiscal rules to ensure the value of public assets are recognised, and with such a framework in place there is no excuse for not making a substantial public investment to get Sizewell C over the line. As well as its many other benefits, such an investment would generate revenue for the exchequer for generations to come.

We would urge your government to make a decision on this matter as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Gary Smith

General Secretary, GMB

Mike Clancy

General Secretary, Prospect