On behalf of 21,000 professionals in energy, Prospect Deputy General Secretary Mike Clancy said: “Dr Mike Weightman’s summation of the industry, as one that displays strong leadership for safety and safety culture, is welcome recognition of the professionalism demonstrated not only by the site operators but also the staff employed across the UK’s nuclear workforce.

“His recommended areas of review reflect our own members thinking; that there is no room for complacency and they remain committed to continuous improvement for all existing and future facilities.

“It is also gratifying that Dr Weightman has looked to the future and noted the key role the National Skill Academy Nuclear has to play in ensuring that we have sufficient and appropriately skilled staff for any future nuclear new-build and on-going decommissioning operations – so vital in meeting the twin challenges of combating climate change and safeguarding security of supply.”

Clancy added that the call in the report for priority action on high hazard waste, such as the Sellafield legacy pond and silo clean-up, is one the industry would encourage.