Sizewell C bosses pledge 400 new jobs

Hundreds of jobs will be created as part of an "important milestone" in the development of a new nuclear power plant.

Sizewell C has awarded security and facilities firm G4S a management contract which is predicted to result in the creation of 400 jobs – many of them in Suffolk.

The contract, which will last 10 years but includes an option to extend for a further two years, will begin later this year.

The development of the £38bn power station on the Suffolk coast is expected to be completed in the mid-to-late 2030s.

John Davies, head of site operations and logistics at Sizewell C, said the appointment of G4S marked "an important milestone" for the project.

He said: "Their proven experience in managing complex operational environments makes them well placed to support a project of this scale."

G4S workers will be responsible for areas including mechanical, electrical and building maintenance as well as cleaning, helpdesk and postal services.

Liz Marshall, director of operations at G4S, said: "We look forward to creating meaningful employment, investing in apprenticeships, and developing career pathways that will leave a lasting positive legacy."

At the height of construction, about 2,600 of the 7,900 on-site workforce will come from East Anglia.

The project will also create 1,500 apprenticeships, including at least 540 opportunities for people from Suffolk.

The awarding of the new contract comes after it was revealed that nuclear employment in the East of England had increased by more than 70% in five years.

According to the Nuclear Industry Association, 4,726 civil nuclear jobs are now based in the region, driven by the government's £14.2 billion investment in Sizewell C.

But the Sizewell C project has not been without its detractors who say it will be a costly mistake.

Alison Downes, director of pressure group Stop Sizewell C, previously said "the government will come to regret" investing in the project.

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