The latest Economic Impact of the Civil Nuclear Industry report, compiled by Oxford Economics and commissioned by the Nuclear Industry Association, shows the sector generated an extra £4.2bn in gross value added (GVA) in 2024 compared to 2021, when the last analysis was undertaken.
Each nuclear sector employee contributed an average of £92,000 in GVA to the economy, almost twice as high as the average UK worker, reflecting the highly skilled nature of the workforce. The total number of jobs supported by the sector is 256,000.
In the South West, where Hinkley Point C is being built, 27,000 direct jobs are supported, with the region seeing a 50% jump in GVA to £4bn since 2021. In the East of England, home to the proposed Sizewell C nuclear station, the regional GVA from nuclear grew by a fifth to £1.2bn, supported by a workforce of 2,300, 27% bigger than in 2021.
The North West, home to Sellafield, the National Nuclear Laboratory and Heysham power stations, as well as Urenco at Capenhurst and Springfields fuel plant, continues to have the largest impact. Some £4.1bn in GVA was contributed by the sector across the region in 2024.
Since every single nuclear station in operation and decommissioning is in coastal Britain, nuclear brings jobs and investment to some of the most deprived parts of the country. In England, 29% of direct employment in the sector occurs in the most deprived 25% of local authorities. In Scotland, 31% of nuclear jobs are in the 10% of most deprived areas.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “More nuclear means more jobs and sustainable growth right across the country. Now is the time for final decisions on Sizewell C, the first of a fleet of small modular reactors and a clear plan for further large scale and advanced technologies, to boost our energy security, provide high quality long term jobs and reduce our reliance on foreign gas to keep the lights on.
“Countries around the world are advancing their nuclear programmes and without confirmation on projects soon the UK will risk being left behind. In short – we need to get on with it.”
Sam Moore, Managing Director, Economic Consultancy Oxford Economics, said: “The nuclear industry makes a hugely significant contribution to the UK economy, creating opportunities for people and businesses right across the country. It also provides highly paid, skilled jobs in areas which really need them, including in some of the most deprived areas of the country. That is on top of the vital role the sector plays in providing energy security and clean power, cutting Britain’s reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening its energy resilience.”
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