A nuclear jobs map has been released showing where thousands of the sector's workers are based around the UK.
The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) unveiled figures today which show nearly 60,000 people are employed in the civil nuclear sector.
That is the equivalent to the aerospace manufacturing industry with the figures based on a survey of its members. It is down more than 4,000 on 2018 as investment in new nuclear stalls.
This includes nearly 2,000 apprenticeships and over 900 graduates.
The highest numbers of employees are in the North West of England - which is home to Sellafield and Heysham power stations.
Across the region there are currently 24,084 jobs in the sector - although this is down more than 2,000 on 2018.
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In the South West there are 12,295 workers - including nearly 5,000 at EDF, which is building Hinckley Point C, the UK's first new generation nuclear plant.
In Wales, job numbers have fallen over the year from 1,356 to 1,058 as roles get reduced at Wylfa on Anglesey and Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd as the decommissioning process moves on.
Anglesey also saw the suspension of the Wylfa Newydd project by Hitachi.
![](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article16539072.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Hitachi-To-Suspend-Work-On-The-Wylfa-Newydd-Nuclear-Power-Station.jpg)
Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the NIA, said: "Our detailed survey of members shows consistent employment levels between 55,000 and 65,000 over the past five years spread across the UK in both urban and rural regions.
"The nuclear sector is a great example of how it’s possible to create widespread jobs and prosperity whilst contributing to the 2050 carbon reduction target. Net zero need not mean economic pain.
“As we progress the decommissioning of our old power stations, the development of a new fleet is critical to ensure growth of clean power and the economy.
"This will require proven large-scale nuclear reactors but we are also in a better position than ever to progress small modular designs and looking ahead, the development of fusion technology.”
![](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article16399230.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Inside-Hunterston-B-Nuclear-Power-Station.jpg)
Mr Greatrex said there is a limited window of opportunity to develop a pipeline of skilled workers which has to be seized now.
He added: " The focus on a zero carbon economy is creating excitement and interest in the nuclear industry for a new workforce coming into the sector via apprenticeships and graduate schemes, but it’s critical we establish the conditions for further new nuclear power station projects quickly to maintain this momentum.
"The new financing method, currently out to consultation, can bring down costs to the consumer and attract investors and we need to move quickly to flesh out the detail."
Regional Totals (2018/2019)
East Midlands: 3,730/3,892
East of England: 1,690/1,632
London: 1,934/1,621
North East: 1,197/1,235
North West: 26,358/24,084
Northern Ireland: 33/38
Scotland: 3,991/3,613
South East: 6,065/5,720
South West: 12,684/12,295
Wales: 1,356/1,058
West Midlands: 1,132/1,048
Yorkshire and the Humber: 1,406/1,354
Various site and home based workers: 2,240/1,829
Total: 63,816/59,419