Deputy General Secretary Garry Graham said: "This report and the warnings of OFGEM come at a pivotal time. Prospect welcomes the recognition that new nuclear generation is an essential component of the energy mix needed for the UK to ensure capacity and security of supply needs are met as well as the need to move to low-carbon generation.

"The report recognises the need for the government to put in place a stable platform to enable the long-term investment needed in nuclear generation and ultimately the benefits this will bring. However continued delays in terms of the current negotiations on 'Contracts for Difference' are damaging, add to the uncertainty and delay, and potentially undermine confidence."

Prospect welcomed the recognition in the report of the benefits to the UK economy at both a local and national level in supporting nuclear new build.

Graham said: "Nuclear new build and generation will not only underpin our energy needs going forward, it will provide quality jobs and careers in an industry where we should be seeking to be a global leader.

"The report recognises the valuable work undertaken by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear and others in ensuring that we have the necessary skills and training infrastructure in place, but is right in calling for more to be done to realise the opportunities being created."