“We welcome the Westinghouse commitment to support the local economy by ‘buying where we build’,” said Mike Graham, Prospect National Secretary for the North West. “Its decision to collaborate with UK companies all along the supply chain is good news for UK business, jobs and, especially, the future of skills development.

“This bucks the trend at a time of economic downturn, difficult financial markets and job losses. New nuclear build will bring investment in heavy engineering, manufacturing and construction.

“In addition our members believe this must be translated into jobs and skills for them and future generations. For example, it means nuclear fuel elements used in reactors can continue to be made at Springfields. The stockpile of used plutonium stored at Sellafield, and uranium stored at Capenhurst, can be recycled into new fuel, suitable for use in both the reactor designs currently being considered by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.

“The unions and employers in the nuclear industry have a strong tradition of working closely together, ensuring the highest standards of health and safety and a focus on building and developing jobs and skills among the local population. We welcome any commitment to work closely with the unions at every step.”