On behalf of 15,000 nuclear scientists, engineers and managers, Prospect General Secretary Paul Noon said: "The government has got it right on nuclear power and is tackling the tough long-term issues on sustainable and secure energy supply.

"Industry and householders have already seen energy prices skyrocket, and worse is almost certain to come this winter. This is hitting UK competitiveness and jobs as well as peoples' pockets. Urgent action is needed now if we are to avoid electricity rationing in the longer term.

"Nuclear new-build, as well as action on renewables and energy saving, must be part of the sustainable solution. It is a delusion to think that renewables alone are the answer.

"But nuclear cannot be part of the mix unless the energy market is structured to favour public interest and sustainable solutions over short-term profit."

In particular, Noon warned that the government’s nuclear programme would founder unless it took action on two fronts – skills shortages and finance. On skills, Prospect has warned the government that there is already evidence of skills shortages across the energy industry, including power generation, nuclear and renewables. These will be made worse by the ageing profile of the existing workforce.

"Demand for engineering skills is at a high level because of a number of major infrastructure projects over the next decade. Government must act now to develop the skills of the existing workforce and to attract new entrants or nuclear new-build will never get off the drawing board."

Noon also urged ministers to come up with proposals to give industry and the City confidence that their money will not be wasted because of a change in political direction.

"We need an independent energy agency at arms’ length from government to provide a long-term framework for policy delivery. The agency’s job would be to take decisions on the EU emissions scheme in the UK, to co-ordinate finance for investment and to lay down clear guidelines on energy efficiency and the mix of energy sources."Noon hit back at critics who have accused the government of conducting its review too fast. "The truth is that the government conducted an in-depth review of energy policy only three years ago. The issues have not changed but the urgency with which they need to be addressed most certainly has. Britain cannot sit on the fence any longer."

Prospect is the recognised trade union for 15,000 members working for nuclear companies and public sector bodies, making it the largest union in the nuclear industry. It has members at British Nuclear Fuels, British Energy, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, NIREX, NNC, HSE’s Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and the Ministry of Defence.