6,416 high-skilled, high-paid jobs have been created in the North West’s civil nuclear industry over the past five years, driving a 26.7% increase in employment to 30,445 jobs in 2026, according to the Nuclear Industry Association’s annual Jobs Map.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive, Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“The North West has a proud nuclear history that continues to this day to drive the UK nuclear industry forward with world-leading capabilities and skills. If the nuclear regulatory review is implemented in full, cutting costs and delivery timelines, the region will be essential for delivering the next generation of nuclear projects.”
Lizzi Collinge MP, Heysham, said:
“This is brilliant news for the North West and particularly for Lancashire, where our civil nuclear industry is delivering thousands of skilled, well-paid jobs and supporting communities across the region.
“With more than 100,000 people now working in the UK’s civil nuclear sector, we have the skills, expertise and industrial capability to deliver the next generation of nuclear power. I will continue to make the case for new nuclear at Heysham, helping to deliver secure energy, skilled jobs and long-term investment for Lancashire.”
Hear what Sellafield has brought to the North West from people working on site
Liam Seager, Health, Safety and Environmental Manager, KAEFER Ltd
“Working in the nuclear industry has allowed me to build a successful career while continuing to live in West Cumbria with my family.
“Without the opportunities provided by Sellafield and its supply chain, people can often feel that they need to leave the area to find long-term, well-paid employment and career progression. Nuclear has allowed me to remain close to my family and community while continuing to develop professionally.
“Nuclear is a major part of life in West Cumbria. It supports thousands of direct and supply-chain jobs and provides opportunities for local businesses, apprentices, graduates, skilled tradespeople and experienced professionals.
“The benefits extend beyond direct employment. The industry supports local training providers, schools, charities, community projects and small businesses. It gives people the opportunity to build stable careers, support their families and continue living in the area.
“My own career demonstrates that someone can enter the industry in an operational role, continue learning and eventually move into a senior management position.”
William Graham, Firefighter Apprentice, Sellafield Ltd
“More opportunity for apprenticeships, training, skilled jobs and long terms careers. And not just in traditional roles like engineering. In all sorts of roles—firefighting for example!
“What stands out most is the quality of the training. There are so many specialist areas to get involved in, and the training we receive is second to none. It’s given me the chance to develop skills and experience that I don’t think I would get anywhere else, while contributing to an industry that plays an important role in keeping people and the environment safe.”
Tawana Kenneth Masekoameng, Graduate Trainee ICT Pathway, Sellafield Ltd/Energus
“The UK Government has stated its ambition for new nuclear to play a significant role in meeting the country’s future energy needs.
“I believe new nuclear can provide greater energy security, support economic growth, and help create a more resilient energy system. It also has the potential to create thousands of jobs and support communities across the country.
“As new technologies emerge, energy demand is likely to continue growing. Data centres are a good example of this, given the significant energy requirements associated with digital infrastructure. Whether it’s data centres or future technologies that we can’t yet fully predict, the UK’s energy needs are unlikely to decrease.
“New nuclear provides an opportunity to meet those future demands while supporting clean, reliable energy generation for decades to come.”
The North West is home to a diverse nuclear industry that spans the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear generation and decommissioning, playing a critical role in maintaining the UK’s energy security.
In the region, Heysham 1 and Heysham 2 together provide 2.4 GW of reliable, low-carbon electricity for the UK. The recent announcement of the lifetime extension for Heysham 1 until 2030 will sustain hundreds of jobs on site.
The region also leads the UK’s ambitions to strengthen domestic fuel capabilities and reduce reliance on Russian imports. Urenco’s UK enrichment facility at Capenhurst plays a key role in supporting Ukraine’s wartime electricity, supplying all the country’s enriched uranium.
Across the North-West, decommissioning activity is also supporting thousands of skilled jobs, safely managing the UK’s nuclear legacy while developing expertise and capabilities that can be deployed across the wider nuclear industry.
