Job cuts as final decision on Hinkley Point C remains

Thursday, 9 April 2015

EDF Energy says it has almost completed early site preparation works for the planned Hinkley Point C project. However, pending a final investment decision (FID), some 400 jobs at the site are at risk.

Groundworks at the site of the planned Hinkley Point C plant (Image: EDF Energy)

In a 1 April statement, EDF Energy said it has carried out extensive work with its contract partners to make the Hinkley Point C project ready for an FID. It said, "The company has invested significantly in a series of preparatory activities including site preparations (earthworks, drainage works and culvert construction, concrete production facilities and welfare facilities) and roadworks."

However, it noted that these works are nearing completion. EDF Energy said, "The next phase of work on site and in the associated developments will require a substantial increase in spending levels, and will begin as soon as the [FID] has been made." It added, "In the meantime work to ensure the project's readiness will continue, including project planning, engineering design and commercial supply chain activities."

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, EDF Energy's managing director for nuclear new build (NNB), said, "Clearly this announcement has practical implications for people engaged in activities throughout NNB, but especially for contractors working on site and we are working with our contractor and trade union partners to manage these."

He added, "During this time our focus across NNB should be on doing everything we can to bring our spend rate down whilst prioritising those activities that help deliver HPC FID and de-risk the project."

The GMB union said a 45-day consultation for redundancy will start regarding 400 employees on the Hinkley Point C project.

EDF Energy said that it and the UK government "have made good progress on the work to finalize the agreements which will enable a final investment decision in the coming months." It added there has also been "continuing positive progress with future investment partners in the project".

Hinkley Point C - comprising two Areva EPR reactors - will be the first new nuclear power station built in the UK in almost 20 years.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News