This deal is a welcome boost for the 261 jobs in the civil nuclear sector in Barrow & Furness and over 14,000 jobs in the local area.
Simon Fell, Conservative Spokesman for Barrow and Furness, welcomed the £200 million deal announced by the Business Secretary, securing the future of the Civil Nuclear industry in the UK and driving down energy costs for customers.
Nuclear energy has been powering the UK for over 60 years, with a world-leading record for safety, and today generates around 20 per cent of our electricity.
The civil nuclear industry employs 65,000 people across the country, however currently only 22 per cent of the workforce are women.
This deal will deliver up to 100,000 jobs overall in nuclear by 2021 and diversify the workforce, with a target of 40 per cent women working in the nuclear sector by 2030
Commenting, Simon Fell said:
“Nuclear energy doesn’t just keep the lights on, it fuels local jobs, wages, economic prosperity and drives UK innovation.
“I want to build on our strengths and the vital contribution that the industry makes in Barrow and Furness, up the road in Copeland, and across the country, to make sure that the UK continues to be at the forefront of nuclear industry in the future.
“This deal, and the investment, will drive innovation, create jobs and boost the economy across the country and crucially drive down energy prices for consumers.”