Recruiters have welcomed the anticipated jobs boost created by the UK government’s decision to green light a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

This morning, government announced it has given the go-ahead for the new £18bn nuclear power station following a comprehensive review of the Hinkley Point C project, and a revised agreement with EDF. However, a government statement added it would now "impose a new legal framework for future foreign investment in Britain's critical infrastructure".

Commenting on this morning’s announcement, Morson group chief executive Ged Mason said the agency sees the decision as a catalyst to driving further financial and employment growth within the UK’s engineering industry.

“Hinkley Point C will create 25,000 new jobs and securing the skilled resources required will be a major challenge for the nuclear industry. 

“Overall, this is very exciting news for the nuclear industry as it demonstrates a clear commitment to its future as well as the positive repercussions it will inevitably have on the UK’s economy.”

David Leyshon, CEO at technical recruiter CBSbutler, also welcomed the government’s announcement.

He told Recruiter: “I clearly recall supplying engineers into the last big nuclear power project, Sizewell B, back in the early 1990s during the peak construction and commissioning phases. Obviously trades and labour will occupy the bulk, but don’t underestimate the demand for qualified engineers and technicians at all levels.

“Moreover, the nature of the beast will mean that a significant proportion will be contractors or temps. A welcome fillip for ‘real’ engineering apprenticeships with around an estimated 1,000.”

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