Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is poised to unveil initiatives aimed at bolstering Britain’s nuclear workforce, foreseeing a surge in job opportunities driven by increased submarine construction and the growing demands of the nuclear energy sector. It is estimated that by 2030, these developments will create approximately 40,000 new jobs.
In collaboration with prominent defense firms such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and Babcock, alongside energy giant EDF, the government intends to invest over £763 million ($961 million) by the decade’s end in skills enhancement, job creation, and educational initiatives, according to an official statement.
The initiative comes as the government seeks to ensure an adequate workforce for the construction and maintenance of its submarine fleet, which serves as a cornerstone of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, vital for national defense and security.
Sunak emphasized the strategic importance of safeguarding the nation’s nuclear capabilities, underscoring the initiative as a critical national priority. During a visit to Barrow-in-Furness in the northwest, the epicenter of Britain’s nuclear submarine industry, Sunak articulated the significance of the nuclear enterprise in ensuring safety, energy security, and affordability.
The expansion of Britain’s nuclear submarine industry is on the horizon as the country embarks on the construction of new submarines for both domestic use and under the AUKUS security pact, including those destined for Australia.
Additional insights into how the UK will fortify its nuclear deterrent capabilities will be outlined in the “Defence Nuclear Enterprise Command Paper,” to be disclosed by Defense Secretary Grant Shapps on Monday, as per Sunak’s office.
As part of the broader strategy to augment the nuclear workforce, the government has pledged a £200 million investment in Barrow over the next decade. This investment aims to facilitate job placement, enhance transport infrastructure, and promote housing development in the region, contributing to economic growth and prosperity.
